\n<\/p>\n
Just such an opportunity comes in Kobe on Saturday, as Wales look to level the series in their final game of the season.<\/p>\n
Wales are aiming to ensure they do not go a full international campaign without a win after suffering nine defeats in 2024-25.<\/p>\n
“At the moment we’re in this big losing streak but that one win will give them a bit of confidence to kick on,” said Jones.<\/p>\n
“It’s the last week of the season, which is always tough, but there’s a carrot at the end of it.<\/p>\n
“They’ve got five weeks off after this now, so they’ve put everything into this last game and hopefully we’ll get the result we want.”<\/p>\n
While the players get five weeks off, Jones will be straight back to the day job at Harlequins on Monday morning after having had two stints with Wales during the Six Nations and summer tour.<\/p>\n
Jones was brought into the Wales set-up by Warren Gatland, who then left his role after defeat against Italy in Rome in February, with Matt Sherratt taking over as interim head coach.<\/p>\n
Jones was retained for the summer tour, with his Harlequins head coach Danny Wilson also brought in on a temporary basis to look after the forwards.<\/p>\n
Despite all the trauma, with six defeats and no wins so far while he has been involved, Jones has no regrets about his international return, after playing his final game for Wales in 2014.<\/p>\n
“I’ve loved it, it’s been brilliant,” said Jones.<\/p>\n
“It’s been just over a decade since I last played for Wales and I loved representing my country. <\/p>\n
“Playing for them for 11 years changed my life. The chance to represent them as a coach has been just as special. <\/p>\n
“It’s been frustrating. It’s been pretty strange with Gats bringing me in where I had god knows how many questions over whether we get on anymore. <\/p>\n
“Next thing he’s gone, so that was strange.<\/p>\n
“I have enjoyed it but then I just get straight back into it with Harlequins on Monday and I might be a bit jet-lagged.”<\/p>\n
Tired, maybe, but Jones will hope he has the memory of that long-awaited Wales win to give him a boost.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n