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A vast sense of relief swept throughout the Millennium Stadium in late November, when Wales finally broke their southern hemisphere hoodoo by defeating the Springboks, thereby finishing 2014 on a high.
It gave Wales the belief they can defeat the big three southern hemisphere sides.
The Six Nations gives players a chance to put themselves in contention for the World Cup and there are quite a few surprises within coach Warren Gatland’s 34-man squad.
Firstly, in the props the big news is the omission of veteran tight head prop Adam Jones, with Scott Andrews chosen. Andrews – who is Jones’ teammate at Cardiff Blues – hasn’t started a Pro 12 game this season for Cardiff due to Jones being first choice, but barring injury this likely spells the end of Jones’ international career.
There is an experienced core of players in the second row, and Alun Wyn Jones struck up a good partnership with Jake Ball during the autumn internationals. But fellow locks Luke Charteris and Bradley Davies, who starred for Wales in previous Six Nations tournaments, will push them hard.
The backrow more or less picks itself with workhorse Dan Lydiate at six, captain Sam Warburton at seven and Talupe Faletau.
However, it is the omission of Cardiff Blues’ Josh Navidi that is contentious, especially after a litany of strong performances. The 24-year-old has been a bright spot in a mixed season for the Blues, being awarded man of the match on four occasions in the Pro 12 this season.
By not selecting the versatile back-rower, who has just the solitary cap for Wales back in 2013, it means Faletau is the sole No.8 in the squad. Ospreys’ Dan Baker is currently out with a neck injury and if Faletau is injured during the Six Nations then it leaves no cover whatsoever, which leaves some hope that Navidi could be called up midway through the competition.
The backs pose several dilemmas of their own. What will please Gatland is the abundance of depth within the halfbacks – arguably the best in the northern hemisphere. Scrumhalves Rhys Webb and Mike Phillips provide youthful exuberance and veteran cunning.
Webb cemented his starting berth with impressive displays in the autumn internationals, especially against New Zealand and Australia. His awareness and sniping runs, that brought him so many tries at the Pro 12 (where he is the leading try scorer with seven), have allowed him to enjoy a smooth transition from regional to international level.
Phillips will provide experience from the bench, but push Webb to perform at his best.
But it is at flyhalf is where Wales’ depth runs deepest. There is little doubt Dan Biggar will be the starting flyhalf for Wales against England. If he continues his purple patch he can easily ignite his backs and that is ominous for the opposition.
However, the main story is the selection of Gareth Anscombe. Since moving to Cardiff from the Chiefs in the autumn Anscombe has shown enough, despite just nine appearances for the club, to convince Gatland to select him. He will battle the Scarlets’ Rhys Priestland for a spot on the bench.
Priestland took a knock of confidence when fans booed him against the Wallabies in November, which Gatland and other Welsh players condemned. However, some have said it was the main factor in him moving to England next season where he will play for premiership big-spenders Bath.
Utility back James Hook was yet again overlooked, which means World Cup selection is unlikely.
In the centres Jonathan Davies and Jamie Roberts are a solid combination, mixing creativity with power. One to certainly watch is 19-year-old centre Tyler Morgan, who has been promoted from Wales’ under-20s to the senior squad. His impressive performances for the Dragons in the Pro 12 this season have not gone unnoticed. Morgan signed a dual contract (with the Dragons and Welsh Rugby Union) back in December, highlighting his potential.
In the three quarters a selection dilemma arises for Gatland. For the last few years Wales’ back three has been Leigh Halfpenny at fullback, with George North and Alex Cuthbert on the wings. However, Liam Williams has been in blistering form this season for the Scarlets at fullback. The clamour for Williams to start for Wales either at fullback or wing has steadily grown, which means Gatland has to decide to either accommodate Williams and drop a player or leave the Scarlets fullback on the bench.
If Williams does start against England, then Cuthbert or North’s place will be under threat. Halfpenny’s accurate long-range goalkicking is a vital attribute to Wales’ game, which the fullback showed last year. Although dropping North is a paradox seeing the winger has scored 11 tries in 14 games for Northampton this season.
Gatland will be content knowing at least 85-90 per cent of his starting line-up in the run up to the Six Nations. But Wales’ fortunes in the competition depend on whether they beat England in their opening game. Win and the trip to a resurgent Scotland at Murrayfield become less daunting. Lose in Cardiff and they could easily be winless in two games if Scotland repeats their impressive showing in the autumn internationals.
Player to watch out for: Dan Biggar
The Ospreys stand-off has shown hard graft can produce exceptional results after nailing the No.10 spot. The 25-year-old has come a long way since making his debut in 2008 against Canada. Biggar is the leading points-scorer in the Pro 12 this season and is spearheading the Ospreys’ attempt to win the competition – and at the halfway mark they are the league leaders.
Biggar was exceptional in the autumn internationals where his all-action performance against South Africa symptomatic of where he is at. Putting the body on the line on several occasions helped inspire his fellow players and led to a famous victory against the Springboks.
While fans will prefer to see him inspire in attack or defence, if Biggar continues his form then Wales can truly ignite.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.