Wales had a stuttering RBS 6 Nations campaign this year, only winning two of their five matches, but have come alive at the Junior World Cup in South Africa to win all three of their Pool A matches, including the glorious 9-6 victory over New Zealand in horrific conditions in Stellenbosch.

Fly-half Matthew Morgan, with one penalty, and wing Tom Prydie, with two, did the damage for the Welsh as they ended the Baby Blacks’ unbeaten run of 21 games in the tournament.

After thrashing Samoa 74-3 this week they enter the semi-finals as the top seeds and will face New Zealand again in Cape Town on Sunday.

"We couldn't be in a better position,” Wilson said.

“We've already beaten New Zealand once so we've overcome the mental hurdle.

“New Zealand's unbeaten run in this tournament gave them a mythical status but that's gone now.

"We know we won't be able to surprise New Zealand this time around but we're fine with that because it means they will pay us the respect we feel we have earned as number one seeds ahead of the semi-finals.

“New Zealand are an extremely strong and very talented side but we are determined to play as well, if not better, than the first time around."

Conversely RBS 6 Nations champions England failed to progress to the semi-finals for the first time after finishing third in Pool B, despite winning two of their three matches against Ireland and Italy.

But their last round 28-15 loss to South Africa, with no losing bonus point, meant an early exit for last year’s finalists to the disappointment of captain Chris Walker.

“We’re absolutely gutted to be honest,” he said. “We thought we contained them well in the first half and perhaps edged it, but credit where it’s due, they really turned it on in the second 40.

“But there are still two games to play and while we’re obviously fairly down at the minute, we’ll pick ourselves up and we’ll be ready to take on the Irish.”

Yet the Irish also failed to make the last four, losing out to New Zealand as the lucky loser.

Other than Wales, Argentina, who finished top of Pool C, are also unbeaten and will play hosts South Africa in the other semi-final at Newlands Stadium.

Scotlandand Italy both failed to register a single victory in the tournament but the Scots picked up two losing bonus points against France and Argentina.