Alfie starting to feel his age

Wales captain Gareth Thomas admits the younger members of the squad are helping him feel his age as he closes in on becoming the nation’s most capped player.

Thomas, who is set to win a record breaking 93rd cap against Australia on Saturday, accepts the clock is ticking on his Test career as he approaches the magical 100-cap barrier.

He also realises it means some of the youngsters on Wales’ tour to Australia were merely children when he made his debut against Japan at Bloemfontein in the 1995 World Cup.

“I found out on Wednesday that I coached (number eight) Michael Owen when he was a youngster. I was devastated,” joked the 32-year-old.

“And I think Tom James was six when I won my first cap in Bloemfontein against Japan in the 1995 World Cup.”

In fact, Cardiff Blues wing James was eight at the time, but uncapped Newport-Gwent Dragons prop Jamie Corsi was only seven and is the only teenager in the tour party at 19-years-of age.

While James and Corsi are still dreaming of pulling on the red jersey, Thomas admits he could never have imagined still being involved in Test rugby at this stage.

But he will lead his side out against Australia in the first Test at the Telstra Stadium satisfied that if he wins no more caps, he could not have done any more.

“I didn’t even think I’d be in Bloemfontein playing for Wales,” said Thomas. “I’ve never planned anything in my life. It’s been off the cuff and I’ve been lucky.

“I’ve had lucky breaks, great coaches and great team-mates so I have been a lucky guy to get where I am, although I realise there’s also been a lot of hard work.

“I didn’t envisage this when I started, but I’ve gone year to year and started each season thinking this is it – after this one I’m retiring, I’ve had enough.

“But playing for Wales is such a passion for me, it’s something you can’t give up. I’m honoured and really proud to be where I am today.”