Wales lost their first four matches but Horsman revealed that inside the Wales camp all feelings of frustration and disappointment were tempered by a confidence and belief everything would come right.

There were flashes against France and against Italy but Wales struggled up front and could not produce their trademark attacking rugby with any consistency.

But against England, Wales raised their game and beat their old foe, avoiding a whitewash and the RBS Six Nations wooden spoon with a magnificent 27-18 victory.

Horsman keeps his rugby in perspective after surviving two bouts of cancer and he views sport with a different eye to most players.

The Worcester prop said: Adversity makes you stronger and this was an important journey for the team.

We have probably learned more about ourselves than if we had got a couple of wins. We have learned more about ourselves as a group, as individuals and how we responded to situations.

Life is easy when things are going in the right direction, when the bounce of the ball is going your way. It is very easy to be positive, to be motivated.

When things arent going well in life - and not just in sport but outside as well - your true personality comes through.

We were under pressure and nobody can point the finger and say we splintered in any way shape or form. We stuck very tight.

We constantly improved through the tournament. There is a process and a goal that Gareth Jenkins is working towards and it is starting to show.

You could see what we were about in patches. Then we won on Saturday and everything was great.

We dont want to lose - but it has been an invaluable lesson for us. We are going in the right direction.

Saturdays win was particularly special for Horsman, who was facing his country of birth for the first time since pledging his international allegiance to Wales in 2005.

And he marked the occasion with his first Test try in the red jersey, driving over from a metre.

It was unbelievable. Outside the birth of my children it was the most amazing moment of my life, he said.

I have always been loyal to the red jersey. I am in a very honoured position and I just feel a massive sense of pride for the nation.