But it was the defence that caught the eye of Rees. In the first-half Wales were reduced to 13 men when both Bradley Davies and Lee Byrne were sin-binned.

However some heroic defence saw the Welsh side concede just three points – a penalty from Dan Parks – in that period, much to Rees’ delight.

“We have been a wounded animal after the defeat against England,” said Rees.

“The commitment and endeavour was fantastic. The confidence has been there but we just haven’t put a tidy game together.

“The way we played when we had 13 men was huge. That has probably won us the game in the end because losing two boys is always going to affect you.

“But defence is a big part of our game and we showed that.”