FLANKER Jonathan Thomas says he has ‘a gut feeling’ that Wales will cause New Zealand a few problems in today’s Autumn international at the Millennium Stadium (5.30pm).

Thomas, who has won 67 caps for Wales, believes Wales will bounce back from last Saturday’s disappointing 17-13 victory against Fiji.

“Sport is a funny thing sometimes and I have just got a gut feeling that Wales will do well against the All Blacks,” said 31-year-old Thomas, part of two Grand Slam winning campaigns.

“Wales were disappointing against Fiji and disappointing in patches against Australia.

“But the one thing that has been a consistent theme under Warren Gatland is that when the chips are down or when there has been a few bad performances the common theme is that Wales always produce one big performance.

“I look back to that England game in the Six Nations a couple of years ago.

“Wales didn’t have a particularly great Six Nations and they came in and put in a huge performance.

“The All Blacks are an outstanding team but I think Scotland rattled them a little bit last week.

“The defence will be key and Wales will need to get in their face. If we can do that with a passionate Welsh crowd, let’s hope we can get the win.”

Thomas made his comeback from a calf injury last night in Worcester Warriors’ last-gasp 32-29 win against Jersey in the Green King IPA Championship.

He, along with England full-back Chris Pennell, came off the bench for the last 30 minutes.

Warriors are now top of the table for the first time this season after seven successive league wins.

“I am really proud to wear the Worcester jersey and what has been created at the club is really special,” said Thomas, who captained Warriors in the Premiership last season.

“Injuries are frustrating for any player and it’s good to get back on the pitch.

“It’s all about playing rugby and I am looking forward to playing a bit more of it.”