RYAN Jones knows exactly what it takes to win a crucial Six Nations clash in Dublin, and he is eager to replicate the achieve- ments of the Welsh side he captained to glory in 2008.

A nail-biting 16-12 win in Croke Park four years ago clinched the Triple Crown and helped Wales claim a second Grand Slam in four years.

Wales had to dig deep to preserve their lead, coping stoically with the sin-binnings of Mike Phillips and Martyn Williams to hold on to a first victory in Ireland since 2000.

It was a stirring performance and, having led from the front with a forceful display at No. 8, Jones was at the very heart of the action.

But, as he looks forward to tomorrow's Six Nations opener in Dublin's Aviva Stadium, Jones will not be dwelling on previous successes.

"I'm not a big believer in talking about the past because it will have no bearing on what happens tomorrow," he said.

"It's very much a case of looking forward, so we're just going to crack on.

"It was just relief at the final whistle in 2008. We were all so exhausted but it was a great place to be.

"Lifting the Triple Crown was pretty valuable, and they are wonderful memories.

"They are a part of many memories I've amassed over the years, but now we're just looking forward to tomorrow's game."

Former Wales and Ospreys skipper Jones has been reinstated to the national side following an injury to blindside flanker Dan Lydiate.

Jones has actually played most of his regional rugby in the second row this season, but the 30-year-old is simply glad to get the chance to return for Wales in any position tomorrow.

"Unfortunately for Dan he's suffered an injury but, like all injuries, it provides an opportunity for others," Jones added.

"Sometimes continuity is great but sometimes injuries can give an opportunity to others who come in and grasp it with two hands.

"It should be a wonderful game. Warren Gatland has spoken this week about building confidence.

"We want to build on what we did at the World Cup.

"I'm just going to go out and play, enjoy it and see where we go.

"It's been going well. I've been enjoying my rugby. We're all looking forward to tomorrow's match."

As well as their famous triumph in 2008, Wales have also enjoyed more recent victories against Ireland.

Gatland's men won last year's Six Nations encounter at the Millennium Stadium and then beat the Irish again in their World Cup quarter-final.

Wales's victory in New Zealand was particularly difficult for Ireland to stomach, though Jones will not be reading too deeply into any potential psychological damage Wales's win could have caused their opponents.

"That's sport. That was our day, but we'll see who comes out with the spoils tomorrow," he said.

"The atmosphere should be electric and it could be quite emotional for a lot of their guys who will be hurting after we beat them.

"This game won't be about individuals, or groups of individuals like the back row, but about us as a 15 and a 22.

"Ireland are incredibly battled-hardened with a lot of talent and a wealth of experience.

"We've had some success against them, and I've won up there.

"That was an incredibly tough day, so we know how hard we've got to push ourselves and what we've got to go through to achieve that.

"That's part and parcel of international rugby, and it's going to be an incredibly competitive Six Nations."

Tomorrow's back-row battle will be the subject of intense scrutiny and analysis, with Jones teaming up with Toby Faletau and captain Sam Warburton to face Ireland's formidable trio of Jamie Heaslip, Stephen Ferris and Sean O'Brien.

And although the Irish three will enjoy the backing of a vociferous Dublin crowd, it is Welsh No. 8 Faletau who has caught Jones's eye.

"I think Toby is in great form," he said. "He's playing very well with the Dragons and is starting to develop as a very good international player.

"We'll see more of him in this campaign and hopefully he'll keep doing those things he has been doing.

"He's a huge threat with the ball in hand and he is becoming very good defensively too.

"Toby is becoming a complete back-rower, which at this level is something that you need.

"He's a young kid with the world at his feet. It all bodes well for what is going to be a wonderful future, I'd imagine."