Injured Wales back-rower expects Wales to select Justin Tipuric as his replacement for Saturday's clash with England in Cardiff.
Wales forwards coach Robert McBryde has said that second rower Andrew Coombs could come into the starting XV as a blindside flanker for the Six Nations title decider.
But Jones, who is sidelined with a broken bone in his shoulder, believes bringing in Tipuric to play alongside Wales captain, and fellow openside flanker, Sam Warburton would be the better option.
"I have a sneaky suspicion they may both play but they find out on Thursday," Jones told the BBC.
"Like everybody else, I will be on the edge of my seat to see what XV is picked."
Jones, who captained Wales to victory over France when Warburton was injured, is excited about the prospect of having the two openside flankers playing together.
"You have two world class sevens there," he said.
"I think if we were any other nation in the world we would celebrate the fact that we have.
"Sometimes we create competition and an issue that isn't there. They are both world class sevens.
"I have played with Justin for years and he is one of the most wonderfully gifted rugby players have ever played with.
"Sam is a world class combative and is also a good captain and leader and it's players like him that this weekend requires."
Comments
jontheref says...
As Croft was on record before the game saying that both Warburton and Tipuric are wrold calss, I'll take his word for it.
He's been closer to the action.
Posted 14:49 22nd March 2013
ironmanI441 says...
World class 7's? Neither is world class, both are good for NH opensides. I am not one to say whether NH or SH is better and get involved in that as I think the proof is in the pudding, but I will say that there are very few, probably 2, world class 7's in the NH at the moment (Steffon Armitage and Thierry Dusautoir). I would say they are both very good national level players for Wales at this stage in their career. I would also say Wales would prefer to have one good 7 and replace the second with a 10 of similar quality. I agree with North and South that I don't think Robshaw is a Lions 7, however I think he needs to be in the squad as his work rate is phenomenal and his leadership is getting better every game. However I can't see pushing him to 6 as Tom Woods, Mahoney or O'Brien (I know he plays 7 recently for Ireland) should get the nod. It is a real tricky one. However I am hoping hard that Gatland decides to do the obvious, and pick the only world class 7 at his disposal regardless of English selection policies. The man Steffon Armitage.
Posted 13:08 15th March 2013
jontheref says...
northandsouth
Just adds spice to the game.
What a finale!
Posted 09:38 15th March 2013
northandsouth says...
Not 100% sure "every nation" would. Oz had this dilemma last year with Pocock and Hooper, and for years with George Smith and Phil Waugh, with very mixed success. Brumbies have been grappling with it recently with Smith and Pocock until the latter's injury. The guy it stands to affect the most is obviously Robshaw. If England get beat with two genuine 7s fronting up for Wales, it will increase calls for him not to be picked out of position for the Lions. If England measure up, those calls will probably dim, especially with Pocock's injury (though Hooper, McGill or Smith could all still do a job for Oz). Personally I'd pick Warburton (7) and Robshaw (6) for the Lions
Posted 11:26 14th March 2013
heathy says...
A slight irk at the random use of 'world class' which Jones is splattering around. Warburton and Tipuric are NOT 'world class' (yet!!). Both extremely good players with an extremely bright futures. They could certainly become world class and most may not have a doubt about that. Just hold back the plaudits for a few years Mr Jones and see what these two actually achieve during their time. They still have a long way to go.
Posted 09:24 14th March 2013