Simon Thomas, Rugby Correspondent with Wales Online, spoke to Off the Ball on Tuesday evening and told us about the view from Wales on Saturday’s 6 Nations game between Irealnd and Wales, as Warren gatland announces his side for the crucial game at the Aviva.

The major talking point from Gatland’s team selection was the return of Sam Warburton, and Thomas pointed to he realisation that, following a somewhat lifeless performance against Italy, there was a need for more raw power in the Wales side, and the man to provide it was a fit again Warburton.

“There was a feeling that, after the Italy game, they hadn’t been physical enough at the breakdown, not as effective there as they can be. If you look at the two players they’ve brought in Sam Warburton and Gethin Jenkins, they’re two breakdown experts.”

The performance of Ireland, and Peter O’Mahony in particular, would have been a further waning to Wales that there was a need for better play at the breakdown, according to Thomas.

“I think having watched Ireland over the weekend and seen the work of Peter O’Mahony did…they felt they really needed to step up that area. Warren Gatland said today, as far he’s concerned Sam Warburton is one of the best pilferers of possession in world rugby,” he said.

On the subject of the Waren Gatland and Brian O’Driscoll’s relationship, Thomas told us that the Wales coach had not been asked about the Irish captain at today’s press conference, with a wounded press pac possibly fearing for its safety should it broach the subject once more.

“I think [Gatland] made his feelings pretty clear on Saturday after the game when he used a couple of expletives to describe his views on being asked about the Brian O’Driscoll situation again. He made it very clear that as far as he’s concerned he’s moved on, as Brian’s moved on. No one tempted fate today by asking him.”

Thomas told us a few Wales players were asked, but stuck firmly to wha appeared to be a party line. “It was interesting that to man they pretty much said no comment”

There was also discussion on the strange state of Welsh club rugby, and how the welsh public feel about their underperforming clubs and their successful international side. Are they disappointed? Or are they happy with the balance? Would Irish fans perhaps be happier if we had a similar bent towards international success?

Listen to the full rugby chat with Simon Thomas via the player below or download on iTunes