Easterby edged a tight call from Ulsters Neil Best, who had starred during Irelands autumn campaign and was named man of the match in the comprehensive victory over Australia.

Irelands head coach Eddie OSullivan explained the final decision was made predominantly on form, though Easterbys inside knowledge of the Welsh scene was a considerable factor.

The 31-year-old has spent the last seven seasons at Stradey Park and Jones has witnessed his remarkable influence first hand, particularly this year as the Scarlets booked a place in the European Cup quarter-finals.

Jones said: Simon was left out of the starting XV in the autumn despite playing some really good rugby.

He has turned it on in the Heineken Cup over the last couple of weeks and he probably got the upper hand earlier this month when the Scarlets won in Ulster.

He gives Ireland something else. Dennis Leamy, David Wallace and Best are massive ball carriers whereas Simon is also a very destructive player and he brings a new dimension to their team.

He also brings a mental edge to his game. Physically he is very tough and he also leads from the front.

He is inspiring as a leader both on and off the field and at the Scarlets this year he has really brought an edge to us in big games.

But dangerous as he might be, Jones is at least confident Irelands spy in the camp will not have the inside track on the Welsh line-out calls.

I dont think Easters Welsh is too crack hot. Hell probably be getting some tips from (his wife) Sara in the stands, Jones laughed.

Wales flanker Jonathan Thomas could have expected to start against Easterby at the weekend had he not spent most of the last two weeks out with damaged shoulder ligaments.

Thomas is one match and two training days into his comeback and, as a result, he does not expect to be in the starting team named on Thursday.

Wales head coach Gareth Jenkins has the option of Alix Popham, another Scarlet, or veteran loose forward Colin Charvis.

Jenkins also has difficult decisions to make in the back three and will have spent Wednesday night pondering his options.