Huw Jones Reflects on November Injuries and Scotland's Performance

While sidelined by injury in November, Huw Jones gained a unique perspective on observing a Scotland rugby team capable of both uplifting spirits and delivering crushing defeats.

The Glasgow Warriors centre watched the match against New Zealand from the BBC Radio Scotland commentary gantry. In that game, Scotland staged a thrilling comeback from 17-0 down to draw level, only for the All Blacks to regain control and secure victory.

"Now I understand why you guys and the fans get so frustrated with us," Jones said during the post-match analysis, having seen Scotland miss multiple chances to put the All Blacks away when they had the upper hand.

"We can't let these opportunities pass us by any longer," he concluded.

However, the following week, Scotland displayed an even more glaring example of squandered opportunities by surrendering a 21-0 lead to lose against Argentina.

Return from Injury and a New Perspective

Jones has since returned to the squad, fully fit and performing sharply. Although he may not bear the emotional scars of those painful November defeats as deeply as those who played, he believes these experiences could mark a turning point for Gregor Townsend's team.

"The general consensus is that although that was horrible to be a part of, and everyone was gutted, we want to use it as a big stepping stone, that we're drawing a line in the sand," Jones told the BBC's Scotland Rugby Podcast.

"For too long we were letting games slip, even if we were still winning them. I look at two Wales games in the last two Six Nations where they've come really close when we were in a position to put it away.

"The Italy game away [in 2024] when we lost. And so I think it had maybe gone not unnoticed, but sort of unchecked. And I think the Argentina one is obviously the really obvious one, 21 points up, to let that slip.

"There's been really good conversations, a lot of learnings from that around processes in the game, what our mindset is with momentum swings.

"I feel really positive coming in and seeing the change in everyone and sort of buying into the plan. And I think we obviously want to see a major improvement in that area."

Focus on the Six Nations and Avoiding Distractions

In typical fashion, Jones and his Scotland teammates have avoided committing to specific targets for this Six Nations tournament. After several disappointing campaigns and a challenging autumn series, they recognize that any bold claims about winning the championship would likely be met with skepticism by supporters.

The team's focus is firmly on their opening match against Italy. Given that Scotland's last visit to Rome ended in defeat following a characteristic collapse, this cautious approach appears prudent.

"We really have to believe, but we have to take it one game at a time," said Jones.

"If we start looking ahead and thinking what we'll do when we get there to that last game, that's doing no-one any good. So really, it's Italy. It's one at a time.

"So, all we're focusing on is Italy and how to beat Italy whilst sorting our plan and believing in ourselves and believing what we can do. But it's just that game.

"I don't think we can ever look ahead. Maybe in the past we've been caught up in that, of thinking what we'll do when it gets to that round and games pass you by and then suddenly your championship is over."

Career Progression and Move to Toulon

Having started all three Tests for the British and Irish Lions during their series win over Australia last summer, Jones' reputation has never been stronger. It was therefore unsurprising when it was announced he would leave Glasgow Warriors at the end of the season to join French club Toulon.

"It's come to the point in my career where you almost have to capitalise on where you've got to," he explained.

"The offer came from Toulon, a historic club, with a history of success. Obviously, the lifestyle that goes with that, south of France, is very difficult to turn down.

"I've always been open about wanting to play in France. I enjoy experiencing different countries, different cultures. I started my career in South Africa, came out to Scotland and spent a year in the Prem. I want to experience everything in rugby.

"So, to get the chance to go play down there, I was never really going to turn that down. I'm excited about it. It's a big move."

Jones said his Glasgow Warriors teammates were supportive of his decision despite the club's current strong form.

"It was difficult because r...