After reaching impressive highs with the Auckland-based side, they suffered a knockback in their 7-85 loss to the Chiefs at the weekend. But their season has been about more than that loss.
And Jones said the learning experience continues to impress him after spending most of his time in the more structured northern hemisphere style of game.
"Here there is an ability to get the ball to space a lot quicker, and easier.
"For me, understanding how we build an attacking structure led from Tana [Umaga-head coach] and how we give the boys a platform to play without restricting their amazing ability to beat defenders and get the ball to space, is the lesson for me."
That was evident in the run of success that culminated with a first win over the Blues in round 14 at Albany Stadium.
"It was a fantastic evening for everyone involved. We've got a wonderful playing group, but the coaching environment where you can throw an idea or a concept out there and discuss and evolve it to grow [is also good]. It's a healthy environment to challenge ourselves. That's the part I love about this group.
"If I look at our coaching group and how we function and discuss things, there's an open willingness to share ideas. The forwards coach Tom Coventry might see an option for a back peel or an ability to get in behind them, and its great how we can evolve that. Tana, at the helm, might say, 'Can we go this way?' and Seilala Mapusua has been amazing and might see a different picture. Between us all we can discuss that and put it to the playing group.
"We've got an attack strategy group with eight players in it who look at how they see the game, the idea and drive that forward and take it to the pitch for us.
"This season, just from coaching, there have been so many games that have gone down to the last five minutes. It's just so competitive and the standards have been very, very good."
And Jones said that when the standards are high, and players are in form, everything transfers upwards to the international game.
Off the pitch a different approach is taken in New Zealand and Jones said he loves the culture Umaga has created among Moana Pasifika that is applied to the working week.
"On the field, it's the ability to challenge defences and to open up the game, not in a loose manner, but with the ability to move ball and ask questions of defences in a quicker manner with a high skill base."
That feeds New Zealand's, and the Pacific Islands', desire to play the game at speed.
"You need to be in good physical condition with a high skill set and good knowledge of what your team system is."
In the 2025 competition those elements have been extended as a result of improved form from the Australian sides.
"The games we've had against the Aussie sides have been very competitive, and they've been tough games."
That Australian connection has extra interest for him with the Lions tour of Australia in July. Jones said if he had been asked 20 months ago how the tour would go, the perception was the Lions would perform well.
But since then the Australians have beaten England, they beat Wales and had a close game against Ireland.
"They'll be coming with confidence from that and, looking at how the players are performing week in and week out in Super Rugby, it is going to make for an interesting Test series, which is what we want.
"It's tough to call, and that's the exciting part about it."
As for a Welshman involved in the heart of New Zealand rugby, Jones said he and his family have been welcomed and have found the country incredible, even opting for a South Island tour over the summer rather than heading back to the northern winter.
Having seen the development in the Moana Pasifika side, he understands how the system of contact between New Zealand and the Islands works.
"When you're involved in the system, you appreciate fully how the system works. I'm blown away how beautiful the Pacific culture is and, from the rugby playing aspect, we have a responsibility to the islands to develop the youngsters and hopefully give them a good rugby education where they can flourish.
"I'm very proud of this pathway for the youngsters to be able to play for Samoa or Tonga."
Jones has also been able to appreciate All Black Ardie Savea's contribution as captain to the side.
"How good is he playing, and he's a wonderful person. What he brings to the group is huge. We're incredibly proud and grateful to have him play in the manner which he does for us."