Jones excited about facing the form side

The last time Ryan Jones played in a Six Nations Championship game, Wales beat Ireland at home to seal their first Grand Slam for 27 years.

After recovering from a shoulder injury and taking part in Wales's autumn series, the 11-times-capped number eight is now ready to take on the men in green again at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday.

"It's two years since I played in a Six Nations tournament and that was a pretty special one," he said. "I'd do anything to replicate that Grand Slam again, especially as this time it is a massive competition in a massive year. Ahead of Ireland on Sunday I haven't been that excited about a game in a while. The challenge that is up first would be a great benchmark for us for the rest of the tournament.

"We believe we can win in front of our own crowd, who have been great in recent years. We owe it to them as much as anything."

But 25-year-old Jones knows Ireland are the form side in the championship after their victories over Australia and South Africa during last November's internationals. "It is exciting to have such a big game first up. There is no doubt that Ireland are the top-ranked Celtic team. And I think they pose the biggest threat and they are the favourites to win this tournament."

Jones believes Grand Slams are becoming harder to achieve, especially as this year the sides are fairly well matched. "Looking at it now it is an open tournament and I think it's going to be a close-run thing. France pose a huge threat depending on who turns up and England are building towards the World Cup. They have had some stick in recent years but they will be looking to put a mark down.

On Ireland, Jones said: "They have an exciting backrow and whoever they pick is going to be a threat. The contact area is going to be huge. But we can't be worried about what they are going to bring. We are going to have to impose ourselves. We know the way they are going to play because they have done it that way over the last few years and Eddie (O'Sullivan) is pretty set in his ways."

Kevin Morgan, meanwhile, admitted yesterday he was "in the dark" about where he will play for Wales. The Newport Gwent Dragons fullback does not know yet whether he will wear the number 15 jersey or run out on the wing.

Because of injuries to Shane Williams (hip) and Mark Jones (ankle ligaments), and Gareth Thomas' European disciplinary hearing in Dublin tomorrow, Wales have delayed their team announcement by 72 hours. Coach Gareth Jenkins was due to reveal his line-up on Monday, but will now release it tomorrow.