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 So the players will be withdrawn from...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,