Jonathan Thomas speaks exclusively to Telegraph Sport and tells us in his own words how he felt sitting on the bench as Wales narrowly lost 15-17 against Ireland and agonisingly missed out on Triple Crown and Six Nations glory.

Mixed emotions for you this week – not selected in original 22, but drafted in at last minute to replace Dafydd Jones on the bench, as Andy Powell was declared unfit?

JT: I was bitterly disappointed not to be picked for the crucial game against Ireland. Gatland pulled me aside and told me on Monday, that it was nothing personal, but I wasn’t picked because I hadn’t played enough game time. I accepted what he said. But then on Friday I received a phone call to tell me that I would be on the bench as Andy Powell had torn a quad (thigh) muscle.

How did the team prepare in training for their winner-take-all clash?

JT: He emphasised that the whole squad must have a more positive mindset — in terms of playing more attacking rugby and go out and have a real crack at Ireland, bearing in mind we had to win by 13 clear points to reclaim the Six Nations and Triple Crown.

What did Gatland say in his team talk before facing the Irish?

JT: There’s never any continuity with Gatland’s team talks. He’s really good at judging the pulse of the team. He came in the changing room on Saturday, could see the boys were really focussed and basically told us to go out and get the job done.

Wales led 6-0 at the interval – but what did Gatland say at half time?

JT: He wanted us to play tighter at the start of the second half. Contest the contact area and don’t give any turnovers. Put pressure on Ireland — kick our penalties and hope they would eventually crack.

Who was your man of the match?

JT: I thought my Ospreys’ teammate Ian Gough had a brilliant game. He worked hard at every phase and put in some huge hits – I think most of them were legal!

It was a cruel way to lose the championship, the whole squad must have felt gutted in the changing rooms afterwards?

JT: That’s sport. We tasted success last year – this year we came close, but it just wasn’t meant to be. We had a terrible start to the second half where we conceded 14 points in the space of a couple of minutes. The boys did brilliantly to force their way back into the lead. However, errors again cost us as Ronan O’Gara’s drop goal won them the Six Nations and Triple Crown. In the changing rooms afterwards the boys felt really gutted. For me not playing any part in the match made me feel different to the lads who had played – I felt they had given it their all — but I was detached a little because I had no game time and basically the final result was out of my hands.

What’s Jonathan Thomas’ next goal on the international arena?

JT: I’m seeing a specialist this week. My groin is still inflamed and after having an operation to repair a tear on the abductor, it’s still giving me a lot of trouble. I have got to get it sorted. If it means another operation and missing the rest of the season — then that’s what will happen.

Sum up your Six Nations campaign?

JT: I can sum it up in one word — FRUSTRATING. Yes, after last season’s high this campaign has certainly been a low in terms of playing for my country. It’s always a privilege to be involved in any Welsh squad — but I’ve been battling to regain match fitness and it’s been a real uphill struggle. It was great to start in Italy and now I just want to get back to being 100% fit and let’s see what happens next season.