Welsh title defence the best form of attack, says Thomas

GARETH THOMAS is determined Wales can overcome a debilitating injury list and prove they are one of the "great, great teams" by repeating last year's Grand Slam heroics.

Wales ended a 27-year wait with their dramatic Grand Slam triumph last season, but the challenge now is to forge a dynasty to compare with the great Welsh sides of the 1970s.

Thomas is acutely aware his side face a far tougher challenge this time round.

Wales have been hit by injuries - and the rest of the sides will be ready for their high-tempo, attacking style.

But he said: "The sign of a great, great team is in defending a championship.

"I relate to it like your first year of professional rugby; it is the easiest you will play because no one knows who you are.

"You come into the second year and all of a sudden you have a reputation - and people come after you. That's the situation we find ourselves in.

"We know what to expect; other teams know what to expect - and we must get used to it."

Even so Thomas believes how much last year's success meant to the nation will be enough to spur Wales on in next weekend's opening-round clash with England.

"Everybody in Wales is still talking about the Grand Slam, and you don't want to stop them enjoying it," said Thomas.

"They can ride the crest of a wave forever, and it was great to make a nation as happy as we did. As players, we have to forget about it and move on to something new - but if you can make a nation that happy with one Grand Slam how will they feel if we win two?"

Wales suffered another injury blow when it was confirmed Jonathan Thomas will miss the first two games with a hamstring injury.

They are already without Brent Cockbain, Ryan Jones, Kevin Morgan and Chris Horsman - while Gavin Henson and Ian Evans are suspended for the opening two games.

The loss of Jonathan Thomas and Evans' ban leaves Wales with Robert Sidoli, Ian Gough and Adam Jones as the only fit second rows in the squad.

Michael Owen is an option, but head coach Mike Ruddock will prefer his vice-captain to stay at number eight where he has been so influential.

Gareth Thomas is also a concern for the England game. He played for Toulouse against Llanelli last weekend with heavy strapping on a twisted knee. It is expected he will feature on the bench for the French side this weekend and with a week's rest should be fit to face England.

Ruddock has had dreadful luck with injuries since lifting the trophy last season.

But he managed to rebuild the side during the autumn as blooded a number of new players, and Wales signed off with their first win over Australia in 18 years - a victory that gives him heart heading into the Six Nations.

"We have a very positive attitude like last year, I expect us to play some rugby," he said.

"If we could get a result at Twickenham it will give us the same momentum we had last season.

"You could argue we have more home games this season, so if there is a home advantage that will go in our favour.

"The changes have made it difficult to develop a new unit. But a lot of the guys got game time in the autumn, and I hope the teething problems are out of the way.

"I took a lot out of the November internationals, particularly our mind-set. We struggled for a while with injuries and players going back to their clubs.

"It was only in the lead-up to the games against South Africa and Australia that we had the kind of the intensity of preparation we will have in the Six Nations.

"We beat Australia for the first time in 18 years. But I was also pleased to see us persevere. That is what we will need in the Six Nations, particularly in the light of the injuries."