FORMER Welsh international winger Mark Jones has backed Wales to reach the quarter finals of the Rugby World Cup.

The Dragons kick off their tournament against defending champions South Africa on Sunday, September 11.

And the Builth Wells born ace, who scored three tries during two World Cup campaigns, believes Wales will relish facing the Springboks first and can hold realistic hopes of causing an upset.

He told The Brecon & Radnor Express: "Wales are a dangerous team on their day and I would definitely put my hat on them reaching the quarter-finals."

Jones has also given us his verdict on the quartet of Welsh stars with ties to Mid Wales.

Winger George North, who hails from Anglesey but was educated at Llandovery College, and back rower Dan Lydiate from Abbeycwmhir are both fast establishing themselves as valuable players for Wales.

They join Ospreys prop Adam Jones from Abercrave and powerful number 8 Andy Powell, from Brecon, in the squad.

To read the full interview with Mark Jones see this week's Brecon & Radnor Express - on sale now.

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