Jonathan Thomas speaks exclusively to Telegraph Sport ahead of Wales’ big Friday night clash against France in Paris. A Welsh win will inch them a step closer to a history-making back-to-back RBS Six Nations Grand Slam glory.

You played a full 80 minutes for the Ospreys in their 22-10 win over Cannacht on Sunday. Did you come through the game unscathed? JT: It was brilliant to get a game under my belt after being out with injury for so long. I felt I played okay – a little bit rusty in the beginning and the game was a little bit stop start. There were a lot of youngsters playing and it took a while to get the communication right.


Where did you watch Wales’ hard-fought win over England? JT: I actually watched it at one of the hospitality boxes and thoroughly enjoyed what I thought was a cracking physical game of rugby.


The atmosphere was electric at the Millennium Stadium – did you miss not being involved against England? JT: Without doubt, I missed being out there playing. I think if I’m really honest and you ask any player who has to sit out any match through injury, would they rather be watching than playing? The answer every time is playing – but playing against England is always a special occasion.


Wales celebrated victory by singing the Drifters’ 1960s hit song Saturday Night At The Movies in the changing room afterwards. Where did it originate? JT: Well this all began last season when we beat England at Twickenham last season. Shaun (Edwards) started singing it and all the players joined in. So every time we win we celebrate singing Saturday Night At The Movies.


Who stood out for you in Wales’ famous win over England? JT: I was really impressed with Gethin Jenkins he was outstanding. As a loosehead (prop) Gethin must have covered every blade of grass, scrummaged his socks off and put in some big hits and offloaded well in the contact area. The England back row played brilliantly and they did a number on Andy (Powell) and Jamie (Roberts), but we still had enough up our sleeve to win the game. You should know by now that I will never pick a back for this accolade.


Next up France – what training methods do you think the Welsh squad will focus on as they prepare for a tough trip to Paris? JT: I think attacking wise after two good wins the boys all know their roles and the game plan has been followed by the book so far. I’m sure Shaun (Edwards) will concentrate heavily on our defence in training. The French, as everyone is aware, are capable of beating any team in the world when on song, so it’s important to nullify their attack. The emphasis in training will be focused on that. We are going there as champions and we have to be confident, but they can turn it on in an instant, and that’s the fear factor – the French can be so unpredictable.


Will Jonathan Thomas be back in the red jersey of Wales against France? JT: I really have no idea. Obviously, I’m itching to get back – but it’s up to the coaches whether I’m selected or not. Gatland is a big believer in you having to earn the right to be in the 22 – so it’s fingers crossed.