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Morgan in two minds

Kevin Morgan: Striving for perfection

Wales full-back Kevin Morgan is hoping his captain Gareth Thomas is fit for selection for the crucial Pool B match against Fiji this Saturday.

However, Morgan also hopes he is selected ahead of his skipper at full-back for the fixture in Nantes that will decide who joins Australia in the quarter-finals.

Thomas was injured in Wales' World Cup match against Australia and was not considered for last Thursday's fixture against Japan.

But Thomas' rib cartilage injury has responded well to treatment and he is likely to be available when coach Gareth Jenkins names his side on Wednesday.

"You obviously want to be first picked in the side. We have got to back each other, not just as an individual," Morgan told the IRB.

"I have a huge respect for Gareth. I totally respect him as a player and as a person but obviously I want to be picked ahead of him. It goes without saying, really."

Thomas has recovered sufficiently to be considered for selection but it is uncertain whether he will be pulled in for the Fiji encounter or rested until a potential quarter-final match next week.

Morgan said he wasn't happy with his first-half effort against Japan but enjoyed the second as the Welsh eased to a 72-18 victory.

"You always strive for perfection and I didn't really get involved in the first half so I was a bit disappointed with that, but you try some things and they don't work out," said Morgan.

"Hopefully I'll get the nod for the weekend."

All selections are fully explained by the head coach during brief chats with each player before matches.

Morgan said Gareth Jenkins' open policy helped foster a two-way dialogue.

"Obviously it can be frustrating as well. It's a chance for a player to air some grievances if we feel like we should be picked or not but at least it's done in a one-on-one environment," said Morgan.

"I'm sure most players would much rather be told face-to-face. You can ask questions of the decision then and it doesn't fester or gripe with you for the rest of the week. Better to get it out in the open with the coaches."

Morgan also said he had not got his hands on the ball enough this tournament.

"As a full-back you can be detached from play a bit and it's hard to get into the game," he said.

"All full-backs, as wingers, try to make sure they are involved in the game and go looking for the ball instead of waiting for the ball to come to you.

"We have been trying that as a back three. Sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn't."