Thomas forgets World Cup heroics

Hansen admires gutsy 'Alfie'

Wales captain Gareth Thomas has called for the country to stop "harping on" about past heroics and look forward to a successful future under coach Mike Ruddock.

Wales' 2003 World Cup performance against New Zealand in Australia last year has been the constant theme in the build-up to Saturday's re-match with the All Blacks at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

The match ended in an incredible 53-37 defeat but the performance convinced all Welsh supporters that their side was capable of competing with the best in the world.

But Thomas urged his countrymen not to cling on to history but look forward in anticipation of what would be an historic victory over New Zealand.

"Yeah it was a great game and it was a great day but it is like always, as a nation we are always looking back at things we have done," said Thomas.

"At the end of the day we lost that game. It was a great game, a superb game to play in, but to harp on about it constantly does the team and the management that is here no good.

"I really believe this. I think we need to start looking forward and looking to win games and beat the greater nations and stop harping on about what has gone on in the past.

"I have always believed in the national team, even when we have gone through low points, but never more so than now.

"I really believe in the squad, the management and everybody involved in the Welsh set-up at the moment."

Ruddock echoed his captain's thoughts and attempted to bury talk of Wales 51-year wait for a victory against New Zealand.

"It is right we pay respect to the team that won that day but also respect to New Zealand for putting together this incredible run, said Ruddock.

"We want to respect the traditions of the past but we have ambitions for the future."

Thomas' leadership has been praised by Ruddock, but his captaincy credentials surprised Graham Henry, who had never been convinced of the Toulouse fullback's quality when he was Wales coach.

Did Henry ever view Thomas, who took time to settle into the demands of professional rugby, as a potential leader?

"The short answer is no and the long answer is no," said Henry.

"But I have been highly impressed with what he is doing. He is growing - having been given the opportunity.

"He will be on the Lions tour next year for sure so I am delighted. He is a hell of a good guy and good to be part of the bunch.

"He has always had a lot of ability. It is great to see that happening."

Steve Hansen, Henry's successor as Wales coach and now working as New Zealand's assistant coach, has a different view after making Thomas - nicknamed 'Alfie' - skipper for the pre-World Cup Test against Ireland.

"Once Mike decided that it would be good for 'Charvy' [Colin Charvis] to step out of the limelight for a little bit the next guy that was going to take the job was 'Alfie'," he said.

"He has been true to himself since being given the job. He has carried on being Alfie which I think is great as well and probably quite comical for you guys in the media because he says it the way it is and that is what I think is needed.

"Obviously, I am very happy for him. He would be the first guy on the team-sheet once he came back into the squad after a short absence when I took over.

"He has been nothing but professional and he is a player the Welsh squad respects and adores. They would follow him over the edge of a cliff."