Thomas feels Wales can run the Pumas off the park

"Wales are fitter and faster, if we go for 80 minutes like we ended the first Test Argentina won't cope," said Thomas after Wales' 27-25 first-Test defeat.

The Toulouse full-back, 31, has been out since February after suffering a career threatening mini-stroke.

But he says he is now in full training, set for contact work by the end of the month, and ready to play on 20 August.

James Hook would be a great option to choose at 12 in the second Test if Matthew Watkins isn't fit Gareth Thomas

"I'm back doing everything, I just need the all-clear for full-contact work from a scan on 29 June," said the Wales and Lions captain.

Thomas was speaking on BBC Wales' Scrum V rugby programme, the same show he appeared on just hours before his collapse in February.

Then he was impassionately defending the actions of his players in the run-up to former coach Mike Ruddock's dramatic departure.

"It's great to be back on Scrum V with my old muckers Eddie [Butler] and Jonathan [Davies], we're all friends again now," joked Thomas.

The 88-cap man was a big supporter of former Wales skills coach Scott Johnson's brand of all-out attack that helped the country to the Grand Slam in 2005.

Thomas was impressed by debut-making lock Ian Evans

Some felt that Wales edged too far away from pragmatism this season, but it is clear that Thomas sees the adventurous style as the only way for the country to compete on the world stage.

"After the first 20 minutes against Argentina Wales' confidence grew and they realised that width was the way to play, I was impressed by them," said Thomas.

"The 45m try by [Wales' debut-making lock] Ian Evans summed it up, there's fitness throughout the team - there aren't many second rows in the world who could do that.

"I was also impressed with [debut-making back] James Hook, there's been a lot of talk about him but I haven't been able to see much of him when I'm based in France.

"He came into the centre after Matthew Watkins' injury, put width on the ball and was very accurate with his passing.

"He made a few mistakes, but we all do that. He would be a great option to choose at 12 in the second Test if Matthew isn't fit.

"We've got the backs and forwards to play a wide game and picking a fly-half at inside centre increases our running options.

"The pitch was really narrow in Puerto Madryn, and if Argentina have any sense they will keep it as small as possible in Buenos Aires.

"It'll be a difficult place to go but the guys have gelled together and they won't let it affect them."

Wales could be looking for yet another new captain for the second Test after tour skipper Duncan Jones hurt his thumb in Puerto Madryn.

All the vibes I'm getting back from the boys who are on the tour are very positive Gareth Thomas

"It can be a bad injury and it'll be worse for Duncan being away from home," said Thomas, who broke his thumb in last year's Six Nations win against France in Paris.

"Duncan was the right choice as captain for the tour, but if he's out [Wales coach] Gareth [Jenkins] will have to pick a player who is a certainty for the team.

"I would go for someone from the spine of the team. Ian Gough or Alix Popham are certain to play, they're quite senior, and they've got a bit of leadership about them."

Thomas, whose Toulouse side lost 40-13 to Biarritz in the French championship final on Saturday, says he cannot wait to turn out for them in August and that he hopes he can be propelled back into Test contention.

"I worked with Gareth on the Lions tour - he's a great bloke, a great motivator, and so passionate about the job," he said.

"I've spoken to him briefly on the phone, I'm sure he's going to be good for Wales.