By Gareth Thomas Wales captain and leading try scorer

It's been tough nursing my broken thumb and watching the boys in training this week because I want to be out there, up for selection and playing.

I can see why the fans are coming out in their droves to follow us because we're worth the money Wales team details Ireland team details

Scotland was just another great experience, for 40 minutes I watched a team that were simply outstanding.

I can see why the fans are coming out in their droves to follow us because we're worth the money.

Our conditioning coach Andrew Hore has been flogging me completely to keep me occupied, because last week I was just bursting with energy and had nothing to do!

It hasn't worked, though. To me, there's nothing like playing rugby, and no matter how much work Andrew gives me, 10 minutes later I'm back to normal, desperate to get a rugby ball in my hands.

I'm just honoured to still be in the camp, I'm a part of it all and the team and the coaches have made me welcome.

I feel that I have a role here, but when it comes down to the team Mike Ruddock is in charge. I keep a distance from things, then when the meetings are over I'll jump in and have a crack with the boys.

The spirit in this group of players is something I'm going to miss so much when I go back to France next week.

I will undoubtedly be the most nervous person in the squad on Saturday Ask Alfie: Your questions

Talk of the Grand Slam is everywhere ahead of the Ireland showdown, but we're a humble bunch and we're honestly treating it like just another game.

This team enjoyed being together two years ago when we were whitewashed in the Championship, and those dark days taught us that whatever the occasion we have to go out on the pitch and work for each other for 80 minutes.

I will undoubtedly be the most nervous person in the squad, much more so than if I was playing, because I have nothing to focus on.

I'll be on the side of pitch making sure the boys know I'm there for them, but I've already told the BBC not to come onto me with their cameras because it won't be a pretty sight!

Michael Owen has said that if we win the Championship he'll be sending me to pick up the trophy, but to be honest I couldn't care less who collects it.

There isn't one person who has earned that right - it's the 40 or more people who have been involved over the last eight weeks, we're all in this together.