Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny believes the Six Nations champions' win over France has put them back on track to defend their crown.
After suffering their eighth successive Test loss, in their tournament opener against Ireland, Wales bounced back with a deserved 16-6 win over France - their first triumph over les Bleus in Paris since 2005.
Wales will now face Italy and Scotland in away matches before hosting unbeaten tournament leaders England in Cardiff on March 16.
And Halfpenny is convinced they will build on their victory over France and win all their remaining matches to retain their title.
"The confidence we will get from this win will be immense, and we can concentrate now on what we set out to do from the start, which is to retain the title," he said.
"We knew this game was key. It was my third time in Paris, and I know how difficult it is to get a win there, but the boys dug deep and had that hunger and desperation to win.
"I am really chuffed for (caretaker head coach) Rob Howley and the coaches.
"They give us everything, all the information we need, then it is up to the guys on the field to put in a performance, and that's what we did.
"When you go to France and win, it is special."
Comments
PREEST says...
This is England's tournament to loose. The French have fallen apart, doing nothing for the perception that they are the most hot and cold and inconsistent team in the world (excellent Novemeber test series then struggling in the 6 nations, getting smashed by the All Blacks and loosing to Tonga at RWC to then make the final and almost beat the ABs at home) so are no longer contenders. England have already beaten Ireland, so it' hard to see them back peddaling from here. Yet, ya never know!
Posted 03:44 12th February 2013
sirjona says...
Whenever I want some negativity in my life all I need to do is come here and read a few posts. What is wrong with a bit of self beliief its not as if anyone else is setting the 6N alight is it?. Also the bookies haven't made us second favourites for the good of their health. I do admit its England's to throw away but I wouldn't fancy playing the wounded French beast in two weeks time. Oh and lest we forget the last English game is in Cardiff where I will be watching.
Posted 18:51 11th February 2013
makemehappy says...
@rugby_rockstar - if you read his comments you'd realise they are all factual. There's no mention of being a great team, which is what I think you and a few others on hear have thought.
Wales aren't a great side, but are far from poor, have beaten most of the teams several times in the last few years, and are as good as anything in the 6N. That last comment isn't saying much though, as I have not been inspired by any team for a whole game.
This win has put them on track to defend their title. That is obviously correct. Whether they will or not is an entirely separate issue.
Posted 18:27 11th February 2013
rugby_rockstar says...
Halfpenny is incredibly arrogant given Wales' lacklustre performance. Just watch the bbc highlights, they start on 71 minutes and last 30 seconds. That is not a good rugby match and if Wales think they're going to win the six nations with that sort of effort then I'm certain England and Scotland will store Halfpenny's words away for when they face Wales on the pitch.
As for Ireland, they're probably wetting themselves with laughter.
Posted 16:07 11th February 2013
carpelone says...
Good effort, Wales.
You proved me wrong, I thought you were heading to collect a Wooden Spoon Award.
Posted 14:42 11th February 2013
rustytrumpet says...
@melkdave
sort of agree with you, something needs to be done about our backs and quick to stand any chance.
But dont forget :- Wales are the only team to win in France so far in the 6N. lol
Posted 13:23 11th February 2013
makemehappy says...
@atg77 - slick??? Come on! They are often rather good at not tackling - that much I will give you!
Posted 13:16 11th February 2013
rustytrumpet says...
Think Leigh must have been on the old red wine in France, but got to admit, the last game in the Millenium against England should be interesting
Posted 12:47 11th February 2013
melkdave says...
WHOA hold on there ,Wales won in Paris yes,but it was a very por game ,and France where totally rudderless and leaderles in most peoples estimate.Now while i DO hope this win revitalises and galvanises Wales ,lets not get carried away in thinking all Wales problems are solved.Yes they can mathamatical win the championship,but they still have very had matches to play.Italy away next is not going to be easy,and neither is Scotland ,and by thetimethey are back in Cardiff,god knows what the situation wil be.Players rather than shouting the odds ,i would prefer to be quitely confident..Why he just cant say Yes the win was important ,its shown we can win games and given us confidance.Now we have to ensure we bulid on this and makesure we prepare well and win our next game .I will never know.Allhis done is given a bit of motavation to Italy imo..
Posted 11:57 11th February 2013
atg77 says...
I don't think so. Their battering ram backline won't stand a chance at Murrayfeild next month against the slick Scottish backs.
Posted 11:47 11th February 2013
ArmchairGeneral says...
I hear Wales saying they can win. I hear Scotland saying it too. I've not heard England saying it. Any comments on that Telfer?
Posted 10:24 11th February 2013
Spartacus says...
Bravado, bluster, or stupidity?
Wales are still are poor side, and will struggle in the 6 Nations.
Posted 09:58 11th February 2013