Wales have achieved a new personal best in rugby's global arena, just one game into their Six Nations title defence.
The reigning champions' 26-13 victory over Scotland two days ago secured a top-four world ranking behind Tri-Nations heavyweights New Zealand, South Africa and Australia. And it underlines the enormous task facing England when they tackle Wales in Cardiff next Saturday.
Wales' win at Murrayfield took them above Argentina, their highest position since the International Rugby Board's official world rankings began. It also confirms the rate of progress under head coach Warren Gatland. When Gatland took charge in November 2007, Wales were reflecting on a humiliating World Cup pool stage exit from a ranking of 10th, below the likes of Fiji and Scotland. But 12 Tests later, Wales have won the Six Nations, a Grand Slam, beaten Australia and enjoyed a success-rate under Gatland close to 70 percent as they prepare for England's visit.
Victory against their fiercest rivals, meanwhile, would give them a hat-trick of Six Nations wins at England's expense for the first time.
But despite Wales being installed as overwhelming favourites to tie the overall 128-year series with England at 53 wins each, winger Shane Williams has urged caution. While England laboured to a 36-11 success against Italy last weekend, Wales' four-try win north of the border included a 45th Test touchdown for Williams. But the Ospreys star believes it could all have little bearing on events in the Millennium Stadium.
"They would be the first to admit they didn't play well against Italy, but they still won the game," he said. "That is credit to them. They capitalised on a lot of mistakes by Italy. There are a lot of new faces there, but they are still a very good side and, make no bones about it, the game on Saturday is going to be very tough.
"We just need to prepare ourselves for a battle up-front, and a confrontational battle in the backs as well, because they have got some exciting players there. You can never write off England."
Williams is among three injury concerns for Gatland ahead of the England clash, which has prompted a delayed team announcement by 48 hours until Thursday lunchtime. Williams is battling to overcome an ankle injury suffered late in the action at Murrayfield, with his fellow Lions Ryan Jones and Gavin Henson both missing the Scotland game with calf muscle strains.
Gatland is giving all three players as much time as possible, though Henson could struggle to make it even if he is fit, given the midfield performances of Jamie Roberts and Tom Shanklin in Edinburgh. Whatever happens on the fitness front, though, it should not have any debilitating effect on a Wales squad containing strength in virtually every position.
Williams added: "The squad is probably the best for a number of years in terms of strength in depth. Dafydd Jones came in for Ryan [Jones] last-minute and did a job, while losing Gavin gave Tom Shanklin a chance, and he and Jamie Roberts in the centre had great games.
"We are lucky that we've got the strength in depth and it is good for Welsh rugby that we have got players coming through that are pushing for positions. There is no complacency – no one's position is safe. With the first match of the championship, there are always a few jitters and a few things that don't go your way that you have to work on, but overall I thought we did very well.
"When we keep ball and go through phases, we can score points and tries. It's probably the most important part of the game at the moment – keeping the ball and the breakdown. We know there are things to work on, but it gives us a bit of confidence going away from home and winning."
