Six Nations 2013: Time to end Wales' years of feast or famine and gorge at the top table of world rugby "Our defence is outstanding, there's more to come in attack and you could see the strength coming off the bench, with guys like Lloyd Williams, Scott Williams, James Hook and Ken Owens," said Roberts. Because you don't win championships with 23 players, you win with 35. It's guys like Andrew Coombs, who'd be disappointed after losing his starting place after the first couple of games but was magnificent in this tournament, who win you championships. Competition for places is very strong, keeping you on your toes, driving us forward, because you're only ever a game away from being dropped. While everyone was purring about Tipuric's man-of-the-match performance, described by Ospreys team-mate Dan Biggar as "out of this world," it recalled how similar plaudits after last year's France game were lavished on another marvellous flanker Dan Lydiate, who, returning from injury, will be now out to muscle his way into Lions contention. No place is guaranteed in that dynamic back row, even if the balance struck between Sam Warburton, Tipuric and no8 Toby Faletau made them feel like an irresistible force. "Lydiate and Ryan Jones weren't involved," Warburton was quick to remind us. We're all good mates but we push each other really hard and we're very fortunate to have six or eight back-row players to pick from. Likewise, Biggar, who grew in stature as the tournament progressed, cannot be assured of his fly-half berth with Rhys Priestland returning. The injured Ryan Jones was the one who rallied them with the conviction of his message after the Ireland game that one defeat did not spell the end of their championship ambitions. Returning from an eighth successive defeat then demonstrated much about the growing resilience and maturity of the team. "I think we've all emerged as much stronger players," said Warburton. Not to mention their stronger coaches. All the players wanted to pay tribute to Rob Howley, forever having to be compared to Warren Gatland, for how he had come through a barrage of criticism to end up delivering a championship victory which actually felt to them a greater achievement than the Grand Slam. And Roberts felt the need to hail one Englishman. Shaun Edwards may have been overlooked as Lions" defensive coach but no tries conceded by Wales since the 42nd minute of the opening Saturday told a tale. "Personally, it's been an absolute privilege to work with Shaun," said Roberts. I can honestly say to learn from someone of his calibre is up there as one my greatest experiences as a rugby player. Consistency of excellence has to be the key for Wales now. Four championships and three Grand Slams in nine seasons represent halcyon days for the national team but maddening troughs in between have bedevilled them. Since the start of the 2011 World Cup, Wales's results, in order, have read: lost one, won three, lost three, won six, lost eight, won four. Well, surely, it is time for the crazy roller-coaster to be banished. It sometimes seems as if it is either famine or feast for the Welsh national team but they have the talent, the power, the experience and the winning mentality for this to be time for them only to gorge.