AN upbeat Gareth Thomas has likened his current plight as Wales cheerleader as when he was forced to watch the 2005 Grand Slam from the touchlines.

Thomas feared the damaged ribs picked up in defeat to Australia had prematurely ended his international career but after a encouraging scan he is now targeting a return in the likely last eight showdown with South Africa.

That means Thomas, currently on 99 caps, will be forced to sit in the stands for tonight's game with Japan and the crunch clash with Fiji next week.

But he is more than happy to do that and was delighted to be asked to carry on as inspirational leader rather than having his tournament ended on a sour note.

He said: "It's great and like when we won the Grand Slam. You can't take away the disappointment of not putting on the jersey, playing the game and feeling like you have achieved something but it's great to stay around the boys and be told that regardless of whether you are available you are an influential and important part of the squad. That means so much to me and was music to my ears."

The 33-year-old expressed his disappointment that the injury denied him the chance to win his 100th cap on home soil but he is now working to make sure he does become the first Welshman to notch a century of international appearances.

And he believes that there is every chance that Wales can revel in their unfancied status and cause an upset should they meet the Springboks in Marseille.

He said: "We are in a position where as a Welsh team I feel we are best - underdogs. I feel that also we would have nothing to lose and that is when we play our best rugby.

"I'm sure that the South Africans will be extremely confident but sometimes with confidence comes a lack of commitment."