Wales need to get better to challenge England and Ireland in Six Nations, says Rob Howley
Sunday 27 November 2016 09:12, UK
Rob Howley has demanded even more improvements by Wales if they are to trouble their biggest rivals in the Six Nations.
The interim coach was speaking after his side's 27-13 triumph over South Africa in Cardiff on Saturday.
"There's another level in us and we will have to go to another level if we are going to get near to the likes of England and Ireland. It's a challenge to look forward to," Howley said.
Wales finished the autumn internationals with three wins in a row for the first time since 2002 but the build-up to the final game was characterised by lingering criticism of the side after several disappointing results earlier in the year.
"I don't tend to read or listen to anything like that. It's that internal and external perception we all talk about. The internal perception is that we are a very good team. I think we showed that," he added.
"All the white noise and all that, we just concentrate on performing and trying to be the best that we can as coaches and players on a Saturday. I thought we achieved that [against South Africa].
"We set a goal of bettering our 70 per cent home record. Three wins out of four is 75 per cent if my maths is right, so we bettered it. We have beaten South Africa for only the third time, by a record margin. We will take it.
"But we play England and Ireland at home in the Six Nations and that's where we need to go to the next level."
Saturday's success was just Wales's third against the Springboks in 110 years with hooker Ken Owens and flanker Justin Tipuric scoring second-half tries in a match where full-back Leigh Halfpenny kicked 17 points.
"I am delighted for the players," said Howley, whose team started the month with a chastening 32-8 defeat by Australia before narrow wins over Argentina and Japan.
"The transfer from training, for whatever reason, has not been to the standard that we all expected.
"That was the challenge. I thought we were comfortable and were able to stretch South Africa more times than they were able to stretch us. There is another level in us - I thought we beat South Africa quite comfortably.
"At 20-6 ahead we didn't make it easy for ourselves. We never have, and never will. That's the challenge, but I am delighted for the players, as they deserved that win. It was in a manner that was comfortable, and we were clinical.
"We will enjoy tonight. It is important you celebrate success and the players deserve that, but then it is back to their day jobs with their clubs next week."
One disappointment for Wales was the sight of back-row forward Dan Lydiate having to go off with a knee injury on the stroke of half-time.
Wales captain Gethin Jenkins, leading the side in the absence of the injured Sam Warburton, said the best aspect of their November series was the "way we have learnt".
"We have worked on different things, we have been challenging each other to do that in the game," the veteran prop added.
"Even though we only scored 27 points I thought a lot of our game, attack especially, was looking a bit better than it has. We are improving in that area but have got a long way to go."
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