Welsh await Thomas verdict

Wales fly-half Stephen Jones is hoping captain Gareth Thomas will be cleared to face Ireland in the RBS Six Nations Championship.

Thomas was being checked over by medical staff this morning before caretaker coach Scott Johnson finalised his team to travel to Lansdowne Road.

He was rushed to hospital in Bridgend on Sunday evening complaining of a migraine and temporary paralysis on his left side.

“I thought I was going to die. I thought I was having a heart attack,” said Thomas, who had earlier appeared on the BBC Wales programme ‘Scrum V’, defending the actions of his players in the lead up to Mike Ruddock’s dramatic resignation.

It is not clear whether Thomas will be fit to face Ireland, but Jones feels it is important that such a talismanic figure makes the starting line-up.

“Gareth’s a superb leader and a great guy and we wish him all the best,” said Jones.

“He is our last line of defence so we want him out there playing. We hope he makes it but at the moment it’s a case of having to wait and see.

“Our fingers are crossed that he will be all right.”

If Thomas does not play there is a possibility that Gavin Henson could make a dramatic return to the fold.

Henson is back training with the squad after coming through his first game for seven weeks on Friday, when he started for the Ospreys against the Borders at full-back.

Though Wales are due to unveil their line-up for Dublin this evening, it could be overshadowed by continuing events off the field.

Ruddock was due to meet with the Welsh Rugby Union board this afternoon to clarify the issues behind his resignation a week ago.

But Jones insists the players must put such issues to the backs of their minds.

“Mike’s resignation was a big shock to everyone. It’s been a very difficult time, that’s probably an understatement,” added Jones.

“But what we realise is that we have got less than a week to prepare for a huge Test match against Ireland. And all our focus now has to be on the rugby side of things.

“We have got to work hard this week and be efficient in training. It’s a big week for us and we have to make sure everything is top drawer so we can put in a good performance on Sunday.

“It’s not going to be easy but the squad are very focused. We are a tight-knit squad and we realise there is a big challenge ahead of us. The guys will give a 100%.

“The spotlight is on us a bit more to say the least. We just have to make sure we focus on the rugby side of things because that is our job.”

Wales beat Ireland in Cardiff last year to seal the Grand Slam title but Jones admits it will be hard in Lansdowne Road.

“We realise the Irish have been under pressure, but we have got to make sure we do our homework for this game,” said Jones.

“They may have underachieved a little bit, but they are a good side and we respect them and it’s going to be a tough challenge.”

As well as concerns over Thomas, Johnson has other injury worries with Shane Williams picking up a dead leg in the 28-18 win over Scotland.

Ceri Sweeney, who would have been on the replacements bench, has been ruled out for three weeks with a groin injury.