Ireland v Wales
Adam Jones expecting fired up Ireland
ESPN Staff
February 7, 2014
Adam Jones is looking forward to rekindling the rivalry with Ireland © Getty Images
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Wales prop Adam Jones is under no illusions over just how fired up Ireland will be on Saturday when the two countries come face-to-face in Dublin.

Many Ireland supporters still bristle at memories of star player Brian O'Driscoll being controversially overlooked for last summer's Test series decider between the British and Irish Lions and Australia that the Lions won 41-16.

It was a decision made by Lions boss and current Wales coach Warren Gatland, and one that saw him fiercely criticised by Irish fans, former Ireland players and media pundits.

"I am under no illusions how fired up they will be," Jones said. "They've talked down the O'Driscoll-Gatland thing, but I'm quietly confident 'Paulie' (Ireland captain Paul O'Connell) will have them revved up come half-past-two on Saturday. We know what to expect."

Jones, though, has no doubt it is a healthy rivalry that exists between players on both teams.

"Since we've been on tours with them (Irish players), you get to know them. There's no dislike there, but we want to beat them, obviously," he added. "I am sure it will be very physical, come Saturday, but I will look forward to having a pint with them afterwards.

"That is what's so good about this sport. You can knock seven bells out of each other, then shake the guy's hand and have a pint with him afterwards. There will be no hard feelings."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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