Heaslip wary of Jones threat

Watch Ireland v Wales live on RTÉ Two and www.rte.ie/live (Ireland only) on Saturday, 8 March. Commentary is live on Saturday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1.

Ireland number eight Jamie Heaslip is happy with his Test progress - but admits Wales skipper Ryan Jones threatens to cause ‘havoc’ this weekend.

Heaslip's long overdue elevation to the starting line-up against France has revitalised a back row that was becoming stale and toothless.

Scotland fell victim to his pace and vision at the base of the scrum and Wales will hope to do a better job of containing him when the RBS 6 Nations resumes at Croke Park on Saturday.

Heaslip's comfort in the spotlight will be tested once again when he lines up opposite Wales skipper Jones.

At 26 and with three Lions caps in the bank, Jones is a more seasoned campaigner but the rivals share a similarly dynamic style centred around ball carrying.

They have clashed before on Magners League duty and Heaslip is relishing the chance to shackle the marauding Ospreys number eight.

‘I've played against Ryan so I know the sort of havoc he can cause,’ he said.

‘I'll definitely do my homework on him because he's a handful all right.

‘I've been looking at him on TV and there's no doubt he'll cause some problems for us in the back row.

‘But if I'm on top of my game then hopefully I'll be able to keep him somewhat quiet.’ 

The only mystery surrounding rookie 24-year-old Heaslip was coach Eddie O'Sullivan's stubborn reluctance to elevate him above a fading Simon Easterby.

But Heaslip's prowess during the Six Nations has been noted on both sides of the Irish Sea and the Leinster forward admits he has taken the step up in class in his stride 

‘I've found the transition to international rugby okay,’ said the 2004 IRB Under-21 World Player of the Year nominee, who will win his seventh cap on Saturday 

‘The only game that I found really fast was the first 20 minutes against France, which was like lightning.

‘But apart from that I've been okay and have adjusted well to the pace.’