By Colin Charvis Wales international forward

Well, we lost, but we were in the game for a long period of time against the side ranked number one in the world.

Clive Woodward came into our dressing room afterwards and thanked us for a tough, physical encounter. He said his players had been through the mill.

England owe it to Greenwood

We had taken so much flak in the week, but you could see in our training that there were a lot of people desperate to set the record straight. It was a bit tasty at times!

Thomas took Charvis' number-eight position

Steve Hansen upped the gear a couple of notches and we were pretty physical with each other. He wanted to see who would come out fighting, and I think that's part of the reason Gavin Thomas won the number-eight spot - he's been patient, but was ready and up for the role.

In the game the guys worked really hard for 60 minutes and it was a good time for me to come on. Steve had shown a lot of faith and commitment in keeping me in the 22 and it was important for me to repay him and the team.

Wales show true grit

After Italy I had played 51 times for my country, and I certainly hadn't had 51 such bad reports, or 51 times where people have been writing in to websites criticising me.

You have to keep things in perspective. Pressure from the media and fictitious polls shouldn't drive you out of the game.

I think I did more in 20 minutes against England than the full game out in Rome.

Humphreys helped Charvis through a troubled week

Jonathan did a great job as captain and we didn't find the situation difficult. When I first came into the Welsh squad in 1996 he was captain and I remember thinking 'what a great competitor.'

I've seen him put through the mill by the press, and he was supportive when the heat came on me.

Humphreys cool on World Cup

The role of squad captain is an important one for me to fulfil, but ultimately Steve and the team need me playing to the best of my abilities. If that happens, Steve will have the option of bringing me back as team captain.

The Union has put �100m into the clubs since the game went professional and we're in no better state

We're out of camp now until Thursday, and it's good to have a few days at home. The hotel is not the greatest environment to be in and players miss home and family, but it is the best way to prepare for international matches and we have to buy into that.

We're coming off two defeats and it will be tough travelling to Scotland, but if we maintain our level of improvement we can win.

Welsh reform plan approved

Reform

Even in the middle of the Six Nations, the media is still buzzing with rugby politics in Wales.

I've said it before - the guys know that if we want to compete at European level we need to reform.

The Union has put �100m into the clubs since the game went professional and we're in no better state.

There'll be tough times ahead and a lot of good friends will end up losing jobs, but everyone agrees that it's the only way forward.

I am a bit worried about the Swansea Jacks' proposed merger with the Llanelli Turks, though - I've heard it touted that my new team could be known as 'The Jerks!'