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Jonathan Thomas says that Wales have hit \u201creset\u201d after four days off as they set about trying to make a memorable Rugby World Cup campaign into something unforgettable.<\/p>\n
Wales\u2019 World Cup squad returned to the training pitch on Friday with a public session watched by more than 1,000 people at Stade de Porchefontaine in Versailles.<\/p>\n
Players and coaches were given time off to spend with their families after last weekend\u2019s record 40-6 win against Australia that secured quarter-final status for the fourth successive World Cup campaign.<\/p>\n
But minds have now switched to next weekend\u2019s final Pool C appointment with Georgia \u2013 then a quarter-final against Argentina or Japan.<\/p>\n
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\u201cProfessional sport can be relentless,\u201d Wales assistant coach Thomas said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWinning that Australia game was a huge moment for us in terms of qualifying, and having those days off was good to have that feel-good factor heading into time off.<\/p>\n
\u201cProfessional sport is about being humble and hitting reset. For me, confidence comes from preparation and the work you do in the week.<\/p>\n
We need to hit reset, as the boys have done today. We’ve got a tough game next week, and we will be completely focused on that.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can\u2019t look back and say we are confident because of that victory. Confidence comes from preparation and the hard work.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to hit reset, as the boys have done today. We\u2019ve got a tough game next week, and we will be completely focused on that.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe amazing thing I\u2019ve seen with this squad is you have that edge in training, but as soon as they walk off the training field, there\u2019s laughing, joking and they are taking the mick out of each other for what has just happened in the session.<\/p>\n
\u201cGetting that balance of a competitive edge and having really close relationships off the field is very difficult to strike.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is one of the real highlights of this campaign, going back 14 weeks since we came in for mini-camps. That chemistry is really powerful, and the balance between the edge and the family side of things.\u201d<\/p>\n
Thomas, meanwhile, has no doubt that an ability to strike the right balance comes from the top with the example set by head coach Warren Gatland.<\/p>\n
\u201cI played under Gats, and I take my hat off to him,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is probably one of the best I have come across in terms of being able to drive the players hard. He is very open and honest with them, with a no-nonsense attitude. The expectations are really clear.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut he has also got this nurturing, kind side to him which is all about family and if players need to go home or need help.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s quite a remarkable thing to have both abilities in your character. It all starts with him, and everything flows downstream.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt flows through the coaching staff and the players, and eventually you end up with quite a content playing group. One, because they are fit and they\u2019ve worked hard, but they are also happy because their families are happy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Local schoolchildren turned out in their hundreds to watch the Wales squad put through their paces, with players signing autographs and posing for pictures afterwards.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur whole experience in Versailles has been awesome,\u201d Thomas said.<\/p>\n
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\u201cObviously, it\u2019s a beautiful place, first and foremost, but we are here to train and train hard. The facilities have been great.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe people have been incredible, really, and none more so than today. We really appreciate it. It has made a massive difference to us, how welcome we\u2019ve been made to feel since being here.\u201d<\/p>\n