Rugby: Thomas to stake his Cup claims

Welsh flanker Gavin Thomas has a royal chance to demand a return trip to New Zealand next year when he tangles with the All Blacks tomorrow.

If the 32-year-old competes strongly against All Black skipper Richie McCaw, he will promote his profile for next year's World Cup.

Thomas wears the No 7 jersey because the experienced Martyn Williams is resting at home and rising star Sam Warburton is sidelined with a broken jaw.

"This is definitely a big shot for me to be around next year, definitely," Thomas said.

His return comes after some wretched injuries, including a ruptured Achilles tendon.

It has been a three-year international lull for Thomas who will move into a loose forward group with captain Ryan Jones and blindsider Jonathan Thomas.

"Gavin Thomas is an experienced flanker who knows all about what it takes to perform at international level," said coach Warren Gatland.

"We are going into the game with the attitude we are not just coming to make up the numbers."

Gatland has made three changes from the side beaten 34-31 in their last test against the Springboks.

Andrew Bishop comes into the centres and lock Alun Wyn-Jones comes into the pack with Thomas.

"We are determined and there is a quiet self-belief creeping through the squad at the moment," said Gatland.

"We are not underestimating the task, the history, last game on Carisbrook and, traditionally, the All Blacks are hard to beat here though in the last couple of tests, South Africa and France have had wins here."

The key to a strong Welsh performance was their mental approach.

They had a monkey to get off their backs in beating the All Blacks but their hosts had similar problems annexing the World Cup again.

"We have got close on a couple of occasions but until we beat them [All Blacks] let's not overestimate where we are," said Gatland.

Wales arrived last night in Dunedin after spending several days in Wellington, familiarising themselves with the base for their opening World Cup match.

Victory this weekend, or next or both would top off this fact-finding trip.