Robert JONES

Swansea's Robert Jones followed in a long line of legendary scrum-halves in the Welsh side of the calibre of Gareth Edwards and Terry Holmes, but probably never achieved the success he deserved at international level due to the paucity of talent around him. Nevertheless, his nine year, 54 cap career did contain some glowing highlights, including a World Cup third place, a Triple Crown and a series win with the British Lions. Tenacious and tactically astute, Robert had all the usual skills required of a top flight scrum-half, but his main strength was his passing, particularly his spectacular reverse pass which wrong footed many an opposition defence. Unfortunately, as Welsh packs became increasingly less dominant during the late eighties, the full extent of Robert's ability was not always evident and he often cut a somewhat forlorn figure on the field. Wales has a tradition of blooding its talent young, and Robert was just 20 when he made his debut against England in 1986. The match was lost 21-18, but thereafter Robert would experience a long run of success against the old foe, not losing to them again until 1990.

Wales endured a mixed season, but were able to deny the Scots a Triple Crown with a 22-15 victory in Cardiff. Robert then joined the Welsh squad on a tour of the Pacific islands as preparation for the following year's World Cup. Victories were achieved over Fiji, Western Samoa and Tonga, the latter side described by Jonathan Davies at the post match reception as "the dirtiest team I have ever faced", much to the amusement of the hosts! However, Wales World Cup prospects looked dim when they suffered an indifferent time in the 1987 Championship, managing only one win, a 19-12 victory against England in Cardiff. Despite this poor form, Wales emerged from their World Cup group with three wins from three against Tonga, Canada and Ireland to face England in the quarter-finals. The game was a poor advert for rugby, and one of the few bright spots in Wales 16-3 win was Robert's first international try. Unfortunately, due to injuries, Wales were unable to field anything like a full strength side against New Zealand in the semi-finals and were beaten 49-6. However, The Dragon did bow out on a high note with victory in the third place play-off against Australia, giving hope that a return to the glory days was just around the corner. (Jon Collins)

In 1988 Wales proved that their third place in the World Cup had been no fluke and Robert helped his side secure a first Triple Crown since 1979. Their most impressive display was probably the 11-3 win against England at Twickenham, a game dominated by Jonathan Davies, then at the peak of his powers. However, the summer tour to New Zealand put Wales achievements into perspective when they were hammered in both tests. With morale at rock bottom, the side was then weakened considerably by the defections to rugby league of Paul Moriarty and Jonathan Davies. Their absence was evident in Wales poor showing in 1989, though they did have the consolation of denying England a first Championship since 1980 with a 12-9 victory in Cardiff. Later in the year Robert enjoyed one of the best moments of his career at the heart of the Lions side that beat Australia, and his success was in part due to playing behind a pack that could win consistently good ball.

After the first test had been lost 30-12, Robert was paired with late replacement Rob Andrew for the second. The two combined superbly in a 19-12 win and Robert's box kicking frequently got the Lions out of trouble, preventing the Australians from gaining any real momentum in the game. He was also involved in an unsavoury incident with opposite number Nick Farr Jones early in the match when he stamped on the Aussie's foot. This and the frequent scuffles that followed led to accusations from the home media that the Lions were nothing but a team of brawlers. That the 1989 Lions were sometimes overly physical there can be no doubt, but the Australians were in little position to criticise given their treatment of British touring sides in years gone by. After the 2-1 series win, Robert returned home a hero having proved his world class status, but things were to go from bad to worse for Wales. (Jon Collins)

In the 1990 Five Nations Wales lost all four matches for the first time ever, including a 34-6 beating from eventual runners-up England, thus securing themselves the infamous wooden spoon. However, if 1990 was poor, then 1991 was probably the lowest point in the history of Welsh rugby until that point. After another bad showing in the Five Nations and a disastrous tour to Australia (in which Robert did not participate), the World Cup brought total ignominy. Placed in a group with Argentina, Australia and Western Samoa, Wales expected to at least reach the quarter-finals. However, the opening game with the so called minnows of Western Samoa brought a 16-3 defeat, and virtually ended Wales tournament then and there. Wales did manage to beat Argentina in the second game, but were no match for the clinical Australians and lost 38-3. The failure cast shadows of gloom across the valleys, and meant that Wales would actually have to qualify for the next tournament in 1995.

On the European front there was no respite until 1994 when Wales won the Championship on points difference, though Robert played little part, his place having been taken by the combative, if less gifted, Rupert Moon. Indeed, Robert's only Championship appearance that year came as a replacement for Moon in the 17-15 victory over Ireland in Dublin. He did, though, manage to bag a couple of tries in Wales' demolition of Portugal in a World Cup qualifier in Lisbon later in the year. The year of 1995 was Robert's last season for Wales, and though he was unable to inspire his side to another title, he scored his fourth and final try against Scotland at Murrayfield. However, the World Cup again brought heartache as Wales failed to qualify from the group stages for a second consecutive tournament. Robert's last game came in the 24-23 defeat by Ireland, the match which saw the Irish go through, and Wales go home. In retirement Robert continued to play for his beloved Swansea before hanging up his boots for a role in coaching and the media. (Jon Collins)