Jonathan Thomas speaks exclusively to Telegraph Sport after Wales’ disappointing Six Nations defeat against France in Paris, which shattered their Grand Slam dreams. Where did you watch the big game? JT:Wales’ I watched the game with the rest of the Ospreys squad at our training headquarters in Llandarcy.
A lot of our squad are involved in the Welsh set up and it was nice that the remainder of our team got together to cheer the boys on.
Where did you feel Wales lost the game against France? JT: I felt we lost the game psychologically just before half time. We were leading 13-6 and made a couple of unforced errors, which allowed the French to score a converted try and make it 13-13 at the interval. That score boosted their confidence and allowed them to dictate the pattern of play in the second half.
Do you think Wales got the game plan wrong against the French? JT: Not really. We played well in the first half and I felt at the end of the game if we showed a little more composure in attack, we could have snatched victory right at the end.
Don’t forget even though Wales were favourites not many teams go to Paris and come away with a win — and the margin of victory was close at 21-16.
Who was your Welsh man of the match against the French? JT: Not too many of them put their hands up. But if I had to pick someone then for me it was centre Tom Shanklin, another lad with Pembrokeshire connections. He played well in attack and was solid in defence Do think Warren Gatland will make many changes for the trip to Rome? JT: We’ve had a brilliant run of wins, so Warren Gatland’s formula is definitely working. He may make a couple of changes to the team, but nothing drastic.
With a fortnight off before Wales play Italy, what will the Welsh squad concentrate on in training sessions leading up to their trip to Rome? JT: I’m sure we’ll have hard training sessions this week — working hard on players’ fitness and conditioning — then next week training will be more focused on how we are going to tackle Italy.
Now you are fully fit again are you hoping to make the Wales 22 that travels to Rome? JT: Of course I’m hoping to be involved. Anyone involved in the Welsh squad wants to be part of the big match atmosphere.
As I’ve said before injury has frustrated my campaign, but now I’m fully fit and raring to go — I just hope I’m involved for the last two games against Italy and Ireland.
Will Wales feel confident that they can still win the Six Nations? JT: Oh definitely. We’ve only lost to France and there’s no disgrace in that.
The boys will be firing on all cylinders when we travel to Italy and I’m confident we can beat Ireland at home to clinch the Triple Crown and possibly win the championship.
Don’t miss next week’s issue when Jonathan reveals how training has gone in the Wales camp and whether he expects to be in the squad to face Italy.
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