As impressive as Wales were in Cardiff, and for periods they were very impressive, they are still well behind England and Ireland in the Six Nations pecking order.
And I fully expect them to come down to earth with a thud next Saturday at Twickenham.
Against an error-riddled Scotland, Wales had plenty of time and space to use the ball and punish the visitors. But against England and Ireland they will simply not be given that latitude.
Wales were never challenged up front by the Scots who were determined to swing the ball from side-to-side Barbarians style. When the formidable English and Irish packs start to put the squeeze on Warren Gatland’s eight the Welsh pack will need to be at their very best just to hold their ground and will get none of the easy go forward ball they got against Scotland.
When the Welsh backline is forced to live off scraps it will be a very different Rhys Patchell and Hadleigh Parkes than those seen on the weekend.
Yes Ireland toiled for long periods against France, who defended manfully, but the way Joe Schmidt’s side put together their final 40 phase drive to set up Johnny Sexton’s winning drop goal showed a side who have a deep belief and considerable composure.
The other thing not in Wales favour is they must travel to both London to play England, and Dublin to face Ireland. Without those thousands of Welsh voices urging them on, as in Cardiff, Wales will begin to feel (and look) decidedly human.
Their brave youngsters did man up against Scotland, coupled with the flawless boot of Leigh Halfpenny, but when they come up against the Irish and Lions halfback duo of Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton pulling the strings they will feel far less assured.
England’s lineout is one of their strongest facets and with Courtney Lawes, Maro Itoje and Joe Launchbury tag-teaming Alun Wyn Jones, Wales will get very little good ball off the top, again making it harder for their young backs to play.
Wales enjoyed their day at the top – but that day has passed.
