When we came back into camp this week the atmosphere was brilliant because we all work hard for one another and we're coming off a win against Scotland.

There hasn't been any change apart from Mike Ruddock not being there, but we worked with Scott Johnson anyway, it's just that Robin McBryde has been working with the forwards and and he has brought in a few things.

We miss Alfie (skipper Gareth Thomas), he's massive to us and has got a huge presence. He's an inspirational figure as captain, but it's not about one man.

As players we've got to go out against Ireland on Sunday and give it our best shot.

It's obviously a huge honour for me to be captain of Wales and you have to pinch yourself when you wake up in the morning.

But not much will change for me because almost everything is exactly the same. Just as if I've got something to say I'll say it, so the boys will say something if they feel they have to.

Sunday's game will be about ourselves. We want to go out there and not worry about side issues and give a good account of ourselves.

We've got to be tough and impose ourselves on Ireland, but it'll be difficult because Ronan O'Gara will kick to the corners and Brian O'Driscoll, Gordon D'Arcy and Shane Horgan are great runners.

They've got a fantastic pack as well with a powerful back row and a front five which always looks to be dominant. Ireland were brilliant in the second half against France in their last game and will look to reproduce that form against us.

Although we're all back together again focusing on the game it's still been quite difficult because of all the things that have been written and said which have been pretty hurtful.

I know for a fact that the support we gave Mike on the last day he was coach was the same as it was on the first.

Some of the things that have been said are very disappointing and hurtful. But we've got a fantastic, honest group of players who work hard for one another and try to be the best we can.

I don't think the player power slant in the Press has been fair. A lot of it has been directed at Alfie which is also unfair because he's a good captain who's only trying to do his best for the team.

I got told about Alfie's appearance on the Scrum V programme. I didn't watch it. I've been trying not to watch or read things because a lot of mud has been thrown which can get you wound up.

The people who have been doing this have got to take a good look at themselves because they're part of the problem, they stoke it up but they've got to realise they're a part of Welsh rugby as well.

They're as much to blame, though. They could try to be more interested in the game and not all the other issues, and comment on the game instead of being negative all the time.

I can't finish without mentioning the Dragons and their win against Leinster last week. They were awesome, and it shows we're on the right track.