Jones says Wales can learn important lessons from New Zealand

Wales were outgunned at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday by a rampant All Blacks side, who scored five tries.

But the Llanelli Scarlets wing believes the experience could spark something special for Wales.

"New Zealand have given us an understanding of where we need to focus our attention leading into the Six Nations and the World Cup," he said.

"We are definitely capable of winning the Six Nations. Let's not judge ourselves on one game - we have performed well in the past three games.

"We gave Australia a good game, played well against the Pacific Islands and Canada, and played well in patches against the All Blacks."

We don't feel we are behind Ireland going into the Six Nations Wales and Scarlets wing Mark Jones

A 29-29 draw with Australia was followed by 38-20 win over the Pacific Islands and a 61-26 hammering of Canada, before New Zealand brought Wales back down to earth.

"We understand we came out second best, but there's nothing you can't achieve if you work hard," Jones said.

"As a group, we don't think we are the finished article, far from it. But when you look at our squad and see the improvements we could make, it is exciting to think what we could be capable of.

"We are not the only ones playing second fiddle to them at the moment, they are leading the way (in world rugby) and have to be admired.

"We will get up on Monday morning, go back to work and try to close the gap on New Zealand."

Ireland appear the form team in Europe at present after their stunning victories over South Africa and Australia in the last two weeks.

The two sides meet in Cardiff on the opening weekend of the Six Nations championship and Jones is confident Wales can secure a repeat of their 2005 Grand Slam-clinching win and then push the Irish all the way for the title.

"We don't feel we are behind Ireland going into the Six Nations," he said.

"You look through the Celtic League and Heineken Cup rugby and there's nothing to choose between the teams.

"The Irish have looked very good in this period - very organised, very physical and setting a good standard for themselves - but anything can happen on any given day."