Wales captain Ryan Jones believes a "watershed" victory this autumn would take their game to a new level.
Skipper hopes autumn win can take side to next level
Wales captain Ryan Jones believes a "watershed" victory during this autumn's series of internationals would enable Warren Gatland's side to take their game to a new level.
The appointment of Gatland has helped re-invigorate Welsh rugby, with his side winning all their matches in the Six Nations Championship earlier in the year, in the process taking both the Triple Crown and the Grand Slam.
And yet, besides a solitary win against Australia three years ago, beating the superpowers of southern hemisphere rugby has proved beyond them.
The trend continued on Saturday when they lost 20-15 to world champions South Africa, against whom they have recorded only one victory in 102 years.
They have scored no victories against the All Blacks since 1953 and enjoyed only the one solitary success against the Wallabies in the last two decades.
However, with both New Zealand and Australia still to come this autumn, Jones believes that victory against one or the other would prove inspirational.
"I think we are there; we just need to do one," he said. "Once we've got one (victory), I think it is almost like a watershed in that it will bring that five per cent of belief and confidence to put you on a roll.
"Physically and skill-wise, we can compete with anyone in the world. We've shown that time and time again.
"It's just that little bit of belief, and I think it will come with that one victory.
Of their performance against the Springboks at the Millennium Stadium, in which they failed to score a try, he said: "We are creating in games, and it was unlike us not to finish those line-breaks we made. We couldn't make South Africa pay.
"I think we are a team other teams don't like playing against.
"We are dangerous - and with a little more composure and taking our chances, we will go from being a good team to a great team.
"The frustrating thing was when that final whistle went, I thought we were the bigger, stronger, fitter team. I just wish we'd had an extra five minutes - and I believe we would have made it count."
Missed opportunity
Although Wales trailed by 17 points at one stage, James Hook's four penalties placed them right back in contention.
But, after falling just short at the final whistle, Wales were left ruing a missed opportunity.
Jones added: "We had talked about having courage, belief and endeavour - and I think we showed that.
"South Africa came out firing - they are the best team in the world - and a couple of things didn't go our way and we were 10 points down.
"We have to learn from these situations, that is the key. We can't afford to make this mistake again."
Wales host Canada on Friday, ahead of a match against New Zealand eight days later, with Australia to follow.
Gatland will name his team for the Canada match on Monday, and it is likely to be a much-changed.
Centre Gavin Henson, who withdrew from facing the Springboks because of an Achilles problem, is again doubtful.
Players like Scarlets full-back Morgan Stoddart and Cardiff Blues flanker Robin Sowden-Taylor look set to feature, alongside the Ospreys pair of fly-half Dan Biggar and hooker Richard Hibbard.
Gatland may also be tempted to give Blues number eight Andy Powell - Wales' man-of-the-match against South Africa - another run.
Jones added: "Andy Powell did fantastically well. He has starred all season for the Blues - and he brought a lot to the game.
"He was great to play alongside. He got us on the front foot and created opportunities for others, which is what you need.
"The team is maturing now, and it is littered with individuals who are on top of their form - like Andy. It bodes well."
