But victory over France consigned all that to history as Wales were crowned kings of Europe for a 10th time, 100 years after their first clean sweep.

The next stop is South Africa this summer and Gatland is confident Wales can match the Springboks following Saturday’s incredible scenes in Cardiff in the RBS 6 Nations after beating France 29-12.

“It is the next step for us, testing ourselves against the world champions,” said Gatland.

“We will not rest on our laurels. It has been a great start for us as coaches but we need to keep improving. If we sit back we will get caught.

“To win over there at altitude is tough. The guys have delivered on the principles we have had in putting our bodies on the line, putting pride back in the jersey and it is about carrying that forward.

“We go to South Africa with no trepidation, saying ‘let’s have a crack’.”

Wales’ path from zeroes to heroes began in the hours immediately after that defeat to Fiji in Nantes, when the Welsh Rugby Union sacked Gareth Jenkins and set their sights on hiring Gatland.

Now the New Zealander is being feted as a miracle worker. Certainly his impact, along with those of his assistant coaches Shaun Edwards and Rob Howley, was immediate.

Wales launched their campaign with a first victory at Twickenham in 20 years, sealed the Triple Crown in Dublin and the Grand Slam against France with a performance of huge courage.

Shane Williams once again provided the decisive moment with his sixth try of an incredible tournament - equalling Will Greenwood’s record - to push Wales clear after an attritional first 60 minutes.

Stephen Jones came off the bench to kick 10 points, on top of nine from James Hook, and Martyn Williams capped a magnificent individual performance with a late try.

The victory over France - and the championship triumph as a whole - was built on an extraordinary, heroic defensive display.

Wales made 128 tackles on Saturday as France enjoyed 70% of possession - but once again they kept their tryline intact.

Marshalled by defensive captains Martyn Williams and Gavin Henson, Wales only conceded twice during the tournament, breaking the previous record of four set by England’s World Cup winners in 2002 and 2003.