Old ties help Wales prop Rhys Thomas get over broken heart

Now the Newport-Gwent Dragons front row aims to cap an astonishing recovery by helping to keep old school friend Bryan Habana quiet in today's second Test against South Africa in Pretoria.

Apprehensive: Rhys Thomas

South African-born Thomas has been called into the Wales side after last week's 43-17 defeat in Bloemfontein and is aiming to prove he can mix it with the best after learning his trade with the world player of the year.

Thomas and Habana, both 25, played together for Johannesburg's King Edward VII School alongside South Africa cricket captain Graeme Smith, but Thomas admits he has been amazed by his schoolmate's meteoric rugby career.

He said: 'Bryan was good in those days and he was always in the athletics squad, but I don't remember him being so quick back then.

'I would never have imagined he would be where he is now but he's obviously done a lot of things right since we played at school.

'Bryan was more a utility back then - sometimes he was a scrum half, sometimes in the centres. But we had a hell of a team, including Graeme Smith at full back.'

Habana had an outstanding World Cup as South Africa lifted the trophy last November while Thomas, who qualifies for Wales through father Colin, has struggled to break into the Test team.

His efforts were put into perspective, however, when he collapsed in the car park of the Dragons' Rodney Parade ground soon after making his Wales debut in 2006.

Thomas was diagnosed with a split artery in his heart and spent six months out of the game, but he has recovered to reach the highest level again and steps in today for Grand Slam winner Adam Jones.

He said: 'The doctors thought the artery had been split by the impact of a tackle and told me there was a strong chance I could not continue with my rugby career. It was a massive blow to say the least and a pretty bad time in my life because I had worked so hard and was told I'd play in the autumn internationals that year.

'I went through six months of recovery and thankfully everything healed up nicely. I'm still on medication and have regular check-ups but the best thing is that I can still play rugby. It all just makes me a lot more appreciative of what I achieve from now on.

'It's fantastic to get the nod for Wales, especially as it's against South Africa. It will be a big occasion for me and there are busloads of family and friends coming for the game. I think they will be supporting me, but rooting for South Africa.'

James Hook starts at full back for the first time and Jamie Roberts at centre after coach Warren Gatland's shake-up.

Gareth Delve starts at No 8 as skipper Ryan Jones is moved to flanker. South Africa's four changes include a debut for Zimbabwean prop Tendai 'The Beast' Mtawarira.