Having returned to action off the bench in Saturday's bonus point win over Glasgow after seven weeks on the sidelines, Adam Jones said he was just happy to have got his return out of the way.
Speaking to the media shortly after the final whistle at the Liberty Stadium, Jones said:
“It was pretty tough for me. The effort was there, the lungs were going but the legs weren’t quite used to it. I’m just happy to have the first game back out of the way. I'm pretty tired now, nothing prepares you for playing really, it's physical stuff, tough, particularly in the front row.
“It’s the first time I’ve been around this place at Six Nations time and it’s been a real eye-opener for me, it really has. It’s never good being injured, but it’s given me a chance to work more closely with this squad, and to see for myself how positive everything is around the place.
“There’s a lot of young kids have had to step up, people like Tips and Becky who I thought were outstanding today. They’ve played a big part, and if we do move towards the semis and the final, then it’s down to the boys who played tonight and have gone and beaten some good teams over the last six weeks.
“To be honest with you we had a bit of a telling off, shall we call it, at half-time. We scored two early tries quite comfortably and looked in the ascendancy, I wouldn’t say we showboated a bit, but we just wanted to throw it around and didn’t show Glasgow enough respect.
“The second half we tucked it up the jumper a bit, defended well, didn’t let them in, and that’s what you’ve got to do. I think everyone’s pretty pleased now.
“There’s always pressure on. We’re doing well, the boys who’ve been playing instead of the internationals have been outstanding, so it stands us in good stead for the rest of the season.”
Asked about a possible call into the Wales squad for the final two games of the Six Nations, Jones was quick to play down any speculation.
“If the call comes to be part of the squad I’ll be happy, but it’s a big step up from where I am” he stressed.
“It’s hard going, to step back in for 20 minutes like I did today and then go to the Six Nations, against Ireland. Don’t forget, the boys have done well without me so I can’t expect to go straight back in, no matter how I felt right now. Look, if Gats gave me the call, like any player I’d be there, but I’m not expecting it. As far as I’m concerned, I’m coming in training with the Ospreys on Monday and trying to work my way back to full fitness.”