Alfie not worried over possible conflict

Gareth Thomas is confident of being released from Toulouse in order to lead Wales out against New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium on November 5.

The match is extra to the agreed international window, and Toulouse are not obliged to release him for the game as a result.

But Thomas, who captained the Lions for two Tests in June believes Toulouse will allow him to play in the Bonfire Night showdown with the All Blacks, but will expect him to return from the international window the following week instead, when Wales are slated to play Fiji.

"I'm sure Toulouse know how much I want to play and will be fair," said Thomas in the Western Mail.

"I haven't really discussed it with the club yet, but it will probably be the same as last autumn where I was released for the games against the Tri-Nations teams, but missed the Japan match.

"I want to play in the New Zealand game as much as anyone in Wales, but ultimately what happens between the club and the union is nothing to do with me."

That compromise is all the more likely as Toulouse don't have a match on the day of the New Zealand Test, but they do have one - a tough one at home to Castres - In the weekend when Wales host the Fijians.

"The hair stands up on the back of my neck when I think about getting back with the Welsh squad," said the talismanic three-quarter.

"Being away from them has been like missing a limb.

"I don't want to talk about revenge against New Zealand, I hate that word, but I remember a superb game against them last autumn that we lost by just a point.

"The guys are starting to believe now and those of us who went on the Lions tour learnt a lot.

"We're looking forward to getting together and will aim to pull off some amazing performances."