Welsh dragon will be slain by the Springboks and the All Blacks

After their impressive Six Nations Grand Slam, Wales head to the veldt in June where world champions South Africa await for a mouthwatering two-Test series. More than likely, current Tri-Nations champions New Zealand will be next to stand on the Cardiff dirt.

Wales have employed new variations to their style of play – an instinctive attacking game similar to their 2005 vintage and reminiscent of the close support off-loading style of New Zealand teams. They also now employ a form of rush defence, concentrated with the midfield moving up as one complete unit - although no team in the Six Nations tried to shut them down, rather they tried to outplay them.

The Welsh have played with composure and style and, although it is early days, the signs are ominous that they may well become a dominant world power.

The newly-released IRB rankings count the Welsh as the sixth best nation in the world – with all major southern powers ahead of them, along with the English. This is a flawed reflection at best. Realistically the Welsh now sit third behind the Springboks and the Blacks. It is difficult to predict what will happen as the southern season in still in its infancy - and being played under new laws. It may take a while to see the true might of the southern nations.