Wales head coach Gareth Jenkins expects to have captain Gareth Thomas available for Saturday's World Cup eliminator with Fiji.

Thomas had feared he would be ruled out of the tournament after damaging his ribs in a late tackle from Stirling Mortlock during Wales' defeat by Australia a week ago.

But both Thomas and Sonny Parker, who injured his groin in the same game, have made good progress and Jenkins is confident both will be in contention for the Nantes showdown.

At stake is a place in the quarter-finals and the right to tackle South Africa in Marseille.

Jenkins is set to name his team today but already knows his preferred starting XV, an indication of his confidence that Thomas will be available.

Jenkins said: ''Gareth is going really well in terms of his recovery, and Sonny as well.

''We'll have an assessment tomorrow but it seems I'll be able to pick from a full squad. I have a good idea about the team for next Saturday.

''We will be clear about selection tomorrow morning because you need to spend as much time as possible during the week with everyone knowing who's playing.

''That is key, but there may be players we select who won't be 100 per cent.''

The only player unlikely to be available is prop Adam Jones, who has been hobbling around on crutches for nearly a week after a blood vessel burst and leaked on to a nerve in his foot.

''He was in the gym yesterday, which is good news, and it's getting better by the day,'' said Jenkins.

If Jones is not fit, Chris Horsman will keep hold of the tight-head jersey.

The big debate in Wales this week has switched from the fly-half position to scrum-half following Mike Phillips' performance against Japan on Thursday night.

After a slow start in what was essentially his first game of the season, Phillips dominated and enjoyed a purple patch after half-time, scoring one try and brilliantly creating another, which earned him the man of the match award.

Jenkins was impressed but Phillips was told before the World Cup began that he would be back-up for Dwayne Peel - and there is no indication that position has changed.

Jenkins explained that for all Phillips' qualities, he does not possess the consistency Peel is blessed with.

''Selection is always a difficult because there are a lot of people pushing each other in terms of performance. We've given them all an opportunity against Japan,'' said Jenkins.

''My man of the match was Martyn Williams but Mikey did very well.