Jon’s on the mend

This was a dream start for the Grand Slam champions; they crossed for four tries and only conceded one in a late rally by the brave, but well beaten, Scots.

What was the mood like in the Wales camp before they set off to Scotland? JT: I didn’t travel with the team because I knew that I wouldn’t be fit. So like you I watched the game at home on TV. I can tell you that leading up to the match there was an air of confidence and the boys knew that if they performed to their ability then there was only ever going to be one outcome - a Welsh win!

Did late injuries to Gavin Henson and Ryan Jones cause a headache for the Wales coaches? JT: Gavin pulled up in training on Tuesday, and after having a scan it revealed a slight tear in his calf. Tom (Shanklin) was the obvious choice to step-in, and he is a very experienced replacement and has worked well with Jamie (Roberts) in the Blues’ set-up this season. As for captain Ryan (Jones) his was a similar injury to Gavin (Henson) a slight tear in his calf, but happened the day before the game. Daffyd (Jones) admirably stepped into his shoes and he’s also a very experienced international. The coaches (Warren Gatland, Shaun Edwards and Rob Howley) make sure whoever is drafted into the squad knows exactly what is expected of them in both attack and defence.

Where did you feel Wales won the game against the Scots? JT: Last week I told you about the personal battles and physicality. Well in the first half Wales did a terrific job on the Scots. They totally dominated the set pieces; defence was focussed and solid with some big tackles made. In attack we were effective and played simple, direct rugby. Our running lines and patterns helped us to continually get over the Scots’ gain line. This inspired the team with confidence and everyone in the camp would have been totally satisfied leading 16-3 at half time. Don’t forget Murrayfield is a very difficult place to play, but the lads made it look like a stroll in the park.

Which player caught your eye in Wales’ brilliant victory? JT: I thought Adam (Jones) had a tremendous game at tight head. Scrums were solid and impressive and he can take a lot of credit for that. Stephen Jones ran the game well from outside half and also Jamie Roberts regularly crossed the gain line from midfield.

Is there any improvement with your troublesome (groin, neck and shoulder) injuries? JT: Yes some good news this week. The doctors gave me a licence to train in a full contact session on Wednesday, and I’m delighted to say that I came through it unscathed. And I can’t wait to get stuck into training this week.

Do you think you’ll be fit enough to be considered for selection against England? JT: Yes, if all goes well in training then I’d like to think I have a chance of gaining selection. But I’m not taking selection for granted because the boys played well and they have possession of the shirt. But if it doesn’t happen this week, then I’ll just have to knuckle down in training and take it from there really.

What will Wales be focusing on in training for the eagerly anticipated visit of England to the Millennium Stadium on Saturday? JT: England is a very physical team. So I expect we’ll be working really hard in training in the contact area, in attack and defence - also the lineout and scrums have to be spot-on against them.

Are you confident that Wales can beat England?
JT: Of course I’m confident we can beat England. I’ve been involved with Welsh squads for the past five seasons, but I think that this Welsh squad is definitely the most confident that I’ve been involved in.

What must Wales do to beat them? JT: We must play similar to the way we beat Scotland.We can’t afford to be complacent and we must be superior in all phases, contact, scrum, and lineout - if we do all that then the result will take care of itself.

Don’t miss next week’s issue when Telegraph Sport again speaks exclusively to Jonathan shortly after the big one against England. He’ll give us some inside gossip from the Wales camp.