I accept this on behalf of the entire Welsh team and management – it’s not about me but is a reflection of the success the team enjoyed last season.

It’s a constant race,

It will be hard to defend the title but you have to aim high.

In confirming the appointment of Gareth it has become increasingly evident that the job of Welsh captain is a highly prized and highly sought-after role,

With reference to questions of player power, if there were disaffected players I will raise the issue of any support structure that should have been in place to deal immediately and appropriately with the matter.

We’ve been impressed by his performances at regional level and over the last couple of months he has come on in leaps and bounds.

We did a lot of things better than we did (in the 41-3 loss to new Zealand) last week,

It was interesting to hear Gareth confirm that the players raised my name in a meeting with Steve Lewis. I would like to find out more on what that was about. I will use the...

It’s one mighty challenge to take on the All Blacks, particularly given our record over the last 50 years, but we have to aim high,

There is every chance Ian will be added to the squad.

Our first aim is to recreate that form from last season, next we aim to defend our title successfully and lastly we are aware that we must build momentum for the World Cup.

The injuries mean somebody else will be given an opportunity,

It’s in my interest to protect the group as best I can. That’s the mindset down in Wales, and all the more so given the injuries we’ve had. So the players will be withdrawn from...

There is a lot of firepower to come back next week and we will look at the areas we need to improve on,

Our shape was there but our accuracy let us down,

Hopefully this new role will free him up from off-the-field duties to do what he does best — play international rugby at the very highest of standards.

We’re optimistic Gavin can come in. He is a class player.

England are lying in wait for us and we will build towards that game through our performances in the autumn. This is not a team that is breaking up. I think we can improve.

With 12 players away we saw what players can do. It may not have been the toughest competition but the team did develop real cohesion and that will be important during the autumn series.

In terms of the changes, obviously it does create minor difficulties trying to develop new units. But a lot of guys had game time in the autumn, so I’m hoping some of those teething are...

As well as the players with ankle problems there’s also a few soft-tissue injuries to calves, thighs and the like, so we’re hoping they settle down before we pick the team for next weekend.

Ryan is not looking great for the New Zealand game,

Hopefully we will be near to full strength and be there or thereabouts again,

It’s a very big workload, but I’m hoping that greater exposure will benefit the players, … The level of competition is exciting. I think we’re all going to be riding a rollercoaster. In the Super...

Once he has completed the launch of his book he should focus totally on overcoming his injury and regaining his full fitness and form and continue to prove he is a fine individual player and...

I know we can play some good rugby, I know we can be very proud when we’re on the field, but I was also pleased to see us persevere. I think that’s the thing we’re...

It was pleasing to get that total performance, we’re now a team who can win dirty if necessary,

From a Dragons point of view, it’s bad news. They’ve had a multitude of injuries and they have a small squad anyway. I feel for Paul and the Dragons and I hope they can find...

England have obviously gone a different route because they have a tremendous physical team. With Wales we couldn’t do the same sort of thing so we reacted differently. I guess it was the input of...

Our passing, tackling, lineout and tackle area play all need to be improved,

I believe he has a lot of ground to make up with them and other people who have supported him during the period of his career that he has spoken about,

There were lots of good performances, particularly up front, while Matthew Watkins looked sharp in the centre and full-back Lee Byrne did a couple of special things, so there were a lot of positives,

These guys will come in for a day or so and then we could release them back to their regions. But if we get injuries further down the track, then they are up to speed...

It’s an element of the modern game that is under-used, but – as England also showed against Australia – if you’ve got a formidable set piece you have to use it.

Mike was a vital member of our squad during the Six Nations last season, when Gareth Cooper was out injured,

To be quite honest, it was the best time to play them last season. They might view us in the same light this year having lost a few of our players. We’re in a similar...

Brent’s injury is a bad one and he could be out for a very long time, so we’re thinking about him,

Chris and Lee both joined us this week and have settled in well,

Scotland come to us on the back of a big win against France and now they’ve tasted success they’ll be hungry for more.

I didn’t tell them anything at half-time because those players have stared down the barrel of a gun before.

I think he’s right. We had very close games against South Africa and New Zealand but both have improved. Daniel Carter was a novice when we played against him and look at him now.

It’s been a difficult but exciting selection so early into the season,

It’s comforting to know that we have a replacement of the quality of Nicky.

The scrum is a big weapon and it got us back in the match,

We respect New Zealand hugely. They are a great team, they’ve got great players. They are superbly coached and they’ve got a great record.

Matthew has shown when he comes onto the field he has pace and great footwork. I think he deserves his opportunity.

It’s been amazing today. We are in amongst the big guns at last.

No doubt Gavin has a case to answer, but I am not sure if the length of ban is spot-on.

We’ve got the players, we believe, if they put their game together can do very well in Paris,

England have stated this is a massive game for them, their biggest since the World Cup final. Perhaps that puts them under a bit more pressure now to deliver.