Wales will welcome back fly-half Stephen Jones for their showdown with New Zealand.
Wales look certain to welcome back fly-half Stephen Jones for their showdown with New Zealand this weekend with the Lions star having finally shaken off a persistent knee injury.Jones suffered medial ligament damage when he twisted his knee in the 29-29 draw with Australia at the start of the month.
He has subsequently been forced to sit out the victories over the Pacific Islands and Canada.
However, the 28-year-old is now back in full training and is confident of being able to lead his side as they go in search of their first win against the All Blacks in over half a century at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.
"I'm confident of playing and I'll be taking a full part in training," stated the Llanelli Scarlets star.
"There was no way I could play against Canada. I tried to take part in last Monday's session but twinged it straight away.
"I'm back to full fitness and ready. I haven't lost any aerobic fitness because I have still been able to run in a straight line. Lateral movement has been the problem.
"It has been a bit frustrating over the last couple of weeks. I have only had 20 minutes on the pitch but I'm just fortunate to be part of a good squad."
However, while the news on Jones is positive, Wales coach Gareth Jenkins is still sweating on the availability of fellow backs Gareth Thomas and Gavin Henson.
The latter should be fit for selection having been ruled out of the win over Canada with a toe infection, but Thomas is still awaiting the results of scans on a knee complaint he picked up in the game last Friday.
"With Gareth, he has had a scan and we are awaiting the results of that," explained Wales attack coach Nigel Davies.
"All the reports on Gavin before the weekend were positive and suggested he would be okay. We are very positive he will be fit."
