When you're a player of Neve Jones' caliber, embracing a new role isn't just about adapting—it's about owning it. The Ireland hooker has accepted an "important role" off the bench for Scott Bemand's side in the Six Nations, and she's bringing the kind of energy that defines a true team player.
The 27-year-old has come off the bench in all three of Ireland's games this campaign, and she'll do the same against Wales at the Affidea Stadium on Saturday [18:30 BST]. It's a shift from last year, when she was a regular starter during the tournament and the World Cup, but Jones is all in, thanks to the fierce competition within the squad.
"It's a different game you play when you come off the bench," Jones said. "You have to bring the energy for the girls that have played 40-50 minutes, and it's an important role. We're at a point where the competition is so high—any opportunity to pull on a green jersey is very exciting."
After a fallow week that Jones described as "brilliant" for the team, Ireland is looking to bounce back from a defeat against France. They'll be hosting Wales in Belfast, hoping to build on the momentum from their dominant 57-20 home win over Italy in Galway.
"You want to play week in, week out, but the fallow week came at a good time," she added. "We had three tough games, which shows how far the women's game has come these days—all games are really competitive. We've played some really good rugby in the first three games; we just need to neaten up. We've missed out on one or two percenters, which has been our own doing, so we just need to sharpen up on that."
Wales, meanwhile, has yet to win a game in the tournament, falling to Scotland, France, and England. But they did earn a losing bonus-point after scoring 26 points against the world champions, and Jones knows they're a dangerous side.
"We're constantly growing as a squad, but we know Wales have gone from strength to strength as well," she said. "They haven't had the results they've wanted, but the rugby they want to play is exciting. Sean Lynn has done a great job with them, so bring on Saturday."