Shane Williams’ verdict: At last we’ve seen the real Wales again, bring it on!

Now that was more like it! What a difference experience can make to a side. Two weeks ago Wales were all at sea against the Irish with a team that ended up blooding six new caps.
But against an even better team in green on their own patch a fortnight later the addition of Gethin Jenkins, Alun Wyn Jones, Jamie Roberts and Leigh Halfpenny turned Wales into something resembling a well-oiled machine again at the Aviva Stadium. They were able to absorb pressure, apply their own and beat the reigning Six Nations champions and the second best team in the world.
There was never any panic in the Welsh camp after conceding five tries in that 35-21 defeat to Ireland at the Millennium Stadium. Now we know why! Warren Gatland‘s ferocious and infectious belief in his side’s ability and experience came shining through for me in this performance and I believe we will see more of the same against England and Australia at the World Cup.
To beat those teams at Twickenham we will need our big name players to led from the front and that is exactly what Gethin and Alun Wyn did. They took the battle to the Irish and ensured that Wales won it.
The huge question marks that had been raised over a Welsh scrum without our top tight-head Samson Lee were more than answered thanks to a magnificent debut by Tomas Francis. Warren said he looked the part and he did everything that was asked of him on the field. The nation can sleep a lot easier in the build up to the World Cup knowing that the Exeter Chiefs giant is anything but an international novice!
His work at the set-piece, in the tackle and driving with the ball was superb and I can see him playing a major part in Wales’ World Cup whether or not Samson Lee returns, as we all hope, to full match fitness. The front five was superb, the back row dynamic and Justin Tipuric was simply out of this world.
What a decision the Welsh coaches are going to have to make when picking their back row at the World Cup. In my opinion they cannot afford to leave out Justin – he has to play! So who drops out to accommodate him – Dan Lydiate or the skipper, Sam Warburton?
I’d be tempted to play Justin and Sam either side of Talupe Faletau and play for the turn-overs. That will cause difficulties for the English and might be the best way to counteract the twin threats of David Pocock and Michael Hooper in the Wallabies’ back row.
It was great to see the tried and trusted combinations working in harmony – the Ospreys half backs, Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar, Jamie Roberts and Scott Williams in the midfield and the 2012 Grand Slam back three of George North, Alex Cuthbert and Leigh Halfpenny. The ‘Old Guard’ returned and proved they are up for the challenge of the 2015 World Cup and ready to take Wales that one step further this time.
It was great to see George North getting a full game under his belt and he is only going to get better and better as the World Cup tournament progresses and he gets more match fitness, timing and confidence. There wasn’t a try to celebrate his 50th cap, but there will be plenty more to come from him in the future.
The line-speed was right up there with that against the Irish in the Six Nations and the defence was as dogged and determined at the end as it was earlier in the year. Sean Cronin managed to get over the Welsh line, but nobody in red was willing to concede the game at the death and three or four players combined to hold him up to save the victory.
That moment will have been the icing on the cake for Warren, Shaun Edwards and the players because they will know they can hold out against even the best teams in the world at critical moments. There could be a few more of those to come in the weeks ahead!
Being able to soak up pressure, and keep your discipline as they did so well in Dublin, is vital in the cauldron of international rugby. So, too, is showing the desire and belief required to win. On all those fronts Wales were back to their best.
Two weeks ago everyone was doubting Wales after their defeat to Ireland. What say you all now having witnessed the real Wales? Bring on the World Cup!