"I'm pretty happy," said a beaming Jones. "It's not every day you manage to get on the end of three. Thanks to the boys for setting me up. We're happy with the win."
The final scoreline read 31-19 in Scotland's favour in Edinburgh, and although the hosts were far from in control the entire match, the Glasgow midfielder more than stood up in the absence of his club and country centre partner, Sione Tuipulotu.
The 31-year-old carried for 131 metres from 13 carries, with his tries coming in the eights, 60th and 65th minute of the match. His head coach, Gregor Townsend, said of him after the match: "There were a lot of positive aspects [to Huw's game]. He's such an all-round player, he runs brilliant lines, he finishes well - and he's a very, very good defender. Today he supported very well."
The pick of Scotland's tries, finished by Jones, was set up by the effervescent winger Darcy Graham, making something from nothing. "That was a big turning point," admitted Jones. "There wasn't really anything on for him but, you know Darcy, he'll find any gap where there isn't one. I was glad he made it through and I managed to keep up with him."
Next up for Scotland are reigning back-to-back champions Ireland, against whom the Scots have a losing record stretching back to 2017. "I don't want to say that our confidence is sky-high," said a cautious Jones. "We're happy with the win today but we'll take each week as it comes. The focus will turn to Ireland: a massive game, massive challenge. They've had us for the past few years, so it's one that we want for sure."
Scotland v Ireland, Sunday 8th February, 15:00, Scottish Gas Murrayfield.
