England ran six tries past Wales on Saturday to open their RBS 6 Nations Championship campaign with a 47-13 victory, while tournament favourites France slumped to a stunning defeat in Scotland and Ireland were unconvincing in victory over Italy.

Thomas insists Wales will bounce back against the Scots next weekend and keep themselves in the title hunt - but he was impressed by the way England have developed since their defeat in Cardiff 12 months ago.

''England were very impressive. They have moved on from last year, they have gelled, they have more stability and a good backbone in their team,'' said Thomas.

''They will be a real threat come the end of the tournament and I think they are more than capable of winning the Grand Slam.''

But Thomas warned it will be no certainty. England now face three consecutive away appointments, in Rome, Edinburgh and then against France in Paris.

One slip-up could bring Wales right back into title contention and Thomas is working hard to ensure his squad respond to Saturday's setback in the right way.

''We have got to pick ourselves up now. Who knows? This time next week we could be sitting top of the pile again,'' he said.

''I trust and rely on a lot of players in this team, it is not just up to me to inject positivity into the team.

''The fact is we believe in ourselves and sometimes a defeat can make you stronger as a team. I am working with the guys around me to make us better.

''We all know as players that the little things went wrong on Saturday and we are playing a style of rugby where if the little things go they can cause big mistakes.

''The score didn't really justify the game. I came off the pitch and I knew we had lost, but I sunk a little bit more when I saw the scoreboard.''