Ryan Jones tonight reflected on one of the greatest debuts in Lions history - and then revealed how he was inspired by some fatherly advice.

The Welsh Grand Slam winner was not even in New Zealand a week ago, having been overlooked by Sir Clive Woodward for his original 45-man squad.

But a tour-ending injury to Scottish back-row star Simon Taylor opened the door for Jones, and he promptly barged it down by thrusting himself into Test squad contention.

Woodward is unlikely to deviate from his probable Test back-row of Richard Hill, Neil Back and Martin Corry, yet 24-year-old Jones must surely have a part to play at some stage against the All Blacks during the three-game series.

The Neath-Swansea Ospreys forward scored a try and was hugely influential in all key areas as the Lions emerged unscathed from their trip to Otago's so-called 'House of Pain'.

Even head coach Woodward was almost lost for words when asked if he could explain how number eight Jones had not made the initial tour party, admitting: "No, I can't."

Jones, summoned from Wales' tour of North America last week, effortlessly transferred his blistering Six Nations form into the Lions arena - and the result was a spectacular arrival on rugby's world stage.

"The advice my father (Steve) gave me in the team hotel last night was to have 'no regrets', in what is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be here," said Jones.

"I just wanted to give it 110%. Clive asked me to do a job, and I just went out there and played. A week ago, I wasn't here, so this is a dream come true.

"I only started my Test career last November, and having won a Grand Slam with Wales, it wouldn't have been a bad season had it just ended there! But this is incredible.

"I was in my hotel room in Toronto when the call came, and first of all, I thought it was one of the other boys taking the mickey.

"And then, coming here on the plane, I sat there thinking it was all quite daunting going out to be with so many seasoned international players, guys that I have always admired.

"But they've all been a massive help and they were great again today, helping me through it."

Jones did not seriously begin his rugby career until the age of 15, yet many respected judges quickly identified a special talent.

Wales coach Mike Ruddock provided him with an unexpected international breakthrough last autumn while he was still finding his feet with the Ospreys.

"I have always been told that if you are good enough, then you will make it, but my goal this season was just to get into the Ospreys regional team," he added.

"It's hard to put into words, really. You really crave the respect of these players, and to get a Lions shirt is magnificent."

Woodward could not disguise his delight after seeing the Lions pack prosper on the back of mighty displays from Jones, flanker Simon Easterby and prop Graham Rowntree.

The second-half artillery unit - substitutes Danny Grewcock, Steve Thompson and Andrew Sheridan - simply blew any Otago fightback into oblivion.

"Ryan had a fantastic game - he looked immense out there," said Woodward.

"It has been a good day for the squad, and I've got a feeling that something good is happening.

"Next week (against the All Blacks) is going to be a humdinger, and in terms of pressure games, they don't come much bigger."

The Lions were made to work hard for their victory. Alarm bells sounded eight minutes before half-time when Otago centre Neil Brew brushed off weak tackles by Denis Hickie and Charlie Hodgson to send scrum-half Danny Lee scampering over.

Fly-half Nick Evans' conversion - he finished with 14 points - put Otago 13-6 ahead and on course for a fifth victory over the Lions in seven attempts, stretching back to 1950.

But the tourists struck as half-time approached, centre Will Greenwood capitalising on a kind bounce from Hodgson's steepling kick which allowed him to steal in between Otago defenders Glen Horton and Matt Saunders.

Hodgson's conversion made it 13-13 at the break, and the Lions impressively took charge after that, with Jones and his fellow Welsh ace Shane Williams claiming tries that killed off their hosts.

Hodgson, meanwhile, kept himself in the Test picture by booting six from six for a 15-point haul, and the Lions could enjoy their Saturday night, an experience that contrasted starkly to events in Hamilton a week ago when they were given a Maori mauling.