And the No. 8, who became the 1,000th player to be capped by Wales when he made his debut against the Springboks at Bloemfontein in 2002, expects Warren Gatland’s men to transform their regional form into the international arena.

He said: “I think Wales have some really exciting players, like Lee Byrne, and with the Ospreys winning the Magners League and Cardiff Blues’ victory in the Amlin Challenge Cup, it has given the national team a big boost.

“Wales have a fantastic chance. It gives many of the players massive confidence after the Blues went to Marseille and beat Toulon and the Ospreys won in Leinster. They are tough places to go and win.

“Players like Byrne, Mike Phillips and Stephen Jones are as good as any in the world and capable of brilliant rugby.

“Wales’ backs are a threat against any side. They can break defences and score tries.”