Jones On Guinness Series

Munster’s Felix Jones chats about his hopes and expectations for the current Guinness Series and looks ahead to Ireland’s encounter against Georgia at the AVIVA Stadium on Sunday.

While a win over the Springboks last weekend was always a distinct possibility, few would have predicted the comprehensive nature of Ireland’s victory. However Jones feels that a new heightened level of expectation has not changed anything in the Irish camp.

“We did a review of the game on Monday and there was plenty of areas highlighted that we can improve on. I think South Africa weren’t as good as they wanted to be so not much has changed and our focus has already shifted to Georgia this week.

“We’ve boxed away what we need to get better at. Obviously the things we did well were also highlighted because we need to reinforce those, but we are moving forward now.”

Within seconds of his introduction last weekend, Jones stayed on his feet to win back possession on the ground as South Africa we're on the attack deep in the Irish half. This weekend could present the Munster full-back with his first start of the campaign. He discusses his hopes and expectations for the remainder of the Guinness Series.

“I just want to be involved as much as possible, whether that’s from the start or coming off the bench or whatever the case may be. I just want to contribute as much as I can and put my best foot forward.”

Jones continued by looking ahead to the challenge posed by Georgia on Sunday.

“We’re having a good look at them now. In terms of the back three – the guys who I’d be looking at mostly – they’ve got some good guys there like Machkhaneli and Kvirikashvili. They’re two massively experienced guys with over 70 caps each. Some of the guys play in France in the Top 14 and D2 and will bring massive experience.

“Also, they’re renowned for being incredibly passionate about their rugby. A lot of our guys played against them in Tbilisi (for Emerging Ireland in the 2013 Tbilisi Cup) and from what they said it was a very tough challenge (Emerging Ireland winning out 20-15). We’re expecting a tough challenge again this weekend.”

With ticket sales heading over the 40,000 mark for Sunday’s clash at the AVIVA Stadium, the Munsterman hopes for intensity in Ireland’s performance – similar to what was witnessed against South Africa.

“Same again would be great. The atmosphere last weekend was brilliant and it would be great to keep that going in the AVIVA. We look forward to it at the weekend.”

Meanwhile, Munster’s Andrew Conway and Robin Copeland are also training with the Ireland Squad at Carton House this week.

Ireland v Georgia, Guinness Series, Sunday November 16^th at the AVIVA Stadium – KO 2:30pm.

This game will be televised live on RTE2.