Jones – A Well Oiled Kicking Machine

Llanelli points machine Stephen Jones knows exactly how important his kicking has been to the all-round success of the team.
In the two previous European ties between Llanelli and Leicester, Jones has contributed every point for the Scarlets. If the Wales fly half were to repeat that feat on Sunday when the teams meet in the semi-final in Nottingham, it would be a first for Heineken Cup rugby. No other player has scored all their team’s points in three games in one season.
“If it happened again, so be it, but I would only celebrate the fact if we had won the game.” said Jones
“I’ve been fortunate enough to kick the goals, but it’s also disappointing because in the two games we haven’t scored any tries. Leicester are very strong and we’re going to have to play more of an open game and look to be more creative behind.”
In the first pool match Leicester beat Llanelli 12-9 at Wellford Road, Jones scoring three penalties. In the return match at Stradey Park in January, Jones thrilled the 10,000 crowd with a 100% kicking record. His eight penalties saw Llanelli though to the quarter finals for the fifth time in seven years. .Jones was the hero again when Llanelli travelled to Bath in the quarter final. Again his place kicking was immaculate, 8 from 8 and a last minute drop goal to see the Scarlets through.
Jones has had another impressive season. In all competitions this year he has scored 354 points. Furthermore, he is the top scorer in this year’s Heineken Cup with 105.
In the Welsh Scottish League his 120 points have helped Llanelli to the top of the table, and the 35 points bagged in the Principality Cup, have seen the side through to the final in the Millennium Stadium.
And the Welshman is relishing the chance to play in the in two Millennium Stadium cup finals.
“It’s probably the best rugby stadium in the world. It’s always been a huge buzz when you play for Wales at home in the Millennium Stadium.
“If you asked any rugby player in the Northern Hemisphere what it would mean to make it to the Heineken Cup final, I think they’d all say the same thing. It would be a great achievement and a great honour.”