Wales and Ospreys rugby back row star Jonathan Thomas speaks exclusively to Telegraph Sport ahead of the Grand Slam champions’ RBS Six Nations defence opener against Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday.

What was your reaction when Wales coach Warren Gatland named you in his Six Nations squad last week?

JT: I was absolutely delighted, as you can never take these things for granted. With my current injury problems (groin surgery) he (Gatland) would have been quite within his rights not to pick me.

What’s the mood like in the Welsh camp?

JT: I have to confess the mood in the camp is positive. It was great to meet up with the boys again last Monday – and I can tell you that team morale and spirit is running high. It’s a great environment to be involved in and we have exciting times ahead of us. Everyone has spring in the step.

Did training go well last week and what do you expect this week?

JT: If I’m perfectly honest it’s been frustrating for me. I’m still doing plenty of work under the physio, alongside Martyn Williams and Mark Jones. But the rest of the squad have been training at high-intensity all week. The boys have been put through their paces doing plenty of game plans, fitness and weights.

You missed the autumn internationals after having surgery to a troublesome groin – how’s it feeling now?

JT: It’s been a very difficult few months – but I have to stay positive and I’ve started running again this week. This is the first serious injury I’ve picked up in my career and I’m afraid it’s something I have to deal with because injuries come with the territory playing such a physical and demanding sport.

As Grand Slam champions how do you think the Welsh squad will react to being termed as favourites for this tournament?

JT: It’s something the coaches (Warren Gatland, Shaun Edwards and Rob Howley) have spoken to us collectively about this week. Historically, Wales have not done so well the following season after winning a championship, but under the current coaching regime, highly successful with Wasps, they are determined to instil a hard-nosed mentality into the squad. And it all must start with a victory over Scotland.

You started in every Six Nations international last season do you think Gatland will keep faith with you again in this campaign?

JT: If I’m totally honest I know I won’t be ready in time for Scotland. But after missing the autumn games I’m delighted that Gatland has kept faith by selecting me despite this frustrating groin problem. The only way I can repay his faith is to get fit as quickly as possible and then do the business on the pitch when I get given my chance. I know I’m not the man in possession of the shirt, but I’ll do my best to prove my worth and regain a place in the team over the next few weeks.

The pressure is stacked high on Wales winning in Scotland but, realistically, what do you think they’ll do?

JT: I think our chance of winning is good. Don’t get me wrong Scotland will be tough to beat and they’ve improved enormously over the past 12-months. Murrayfield with a full house is always tough, but with the right mental attitude and if we can play to our strengths I’m confident the boys will get the right result.

In your opinion where are Scotland’s strengths and weaknesses?

JT: Scotland’s strength is definitely in their physical pack of forwards. Second row Nathan Hines is a threat in the lineout and if they are allowed to build a platform up front then they are dangerous. But I think from numbers one-to-15 Wales is stronger in most positions –and we have got a far better all round game. But if we are not switched on mentally and physically this could so easily be a potential banana skin.

Tactically how do you think Wales will play the game against the Scots?

JT: I’m sure Gatland will emphasise to the whole squad this week about winning individual battles when we face the Scots. All players must be fully focused. Defence has to be ultra-aggressive and in attack we must be efficient and clinical in our finishing. It’s important we cut out handling errors and don’t give away any soft penalties. Discipline must be spot on.

Don’t miss next week’s issue – Jonathan gives us his thoughts on Wales’ performance against Scotland. Telegraph Sport readers will be first to find out whether he’ll be fit enough to be considered for selection for the Welsh squad that faces the old enemy England at the Millennium Stadium.