WALES announced their presence back on the real stage with a series of encouraging performances in the World Cup 15 months ago.

They shook New Zealand and they rattled England. Then in the Autumn they pushed South Africa and New Zealand again all the way.

But all four big matches had one thing in common for Wales -- they lost the lot.

Now Wales needs a defining victory, says Kevin Morgan, the 27-times capped full back who has basically been converted to a wing with Newport Gwent Dragons.

He has bravely put a series of major injuries behind him to force his way back into the Wales squad for the Six Nations Championship, starting with England a week Saturday. He now provides real cover for Gareth Thomas as a full back/wing.

Though still a full back by inclination and preference, Morgan has uncomplainingly made a success of his role on the wing for the Dragons, scoring five of his 11 tries this season after being switched there.

"The boys have been progressing further again under Mike Ruddock which speaks volumes for them, they've been steadily improving as a squad and the performances have been getting better," said Morgan at the start of Wales' four-day training camp this week.

"But now we need a defining game where we can step up to the next level. We do need to beat one of the big five teams. England? Who knows? But everyone wants to step up to the next level."

Morgan believes it's going to be a pretty open Six Nations this season after the way England and France have dominated in recent years.

"There's not a definite favourite for the championship," he said. "England are not doing as well, France have lost a couple of games, Ireland are playing well and so are Wales, so it's going to be wide open.

"Ireland have got a good pack, you see them grinding out the wins which is always a good sign. They've got great backs and maybe they've toughened up mentally, they've been together for a while and there's a familiarity about them."

Morgan is still celebrating his return to the squad after all his injury setbacks.

"I always knew I could get back from injury, it was just a matter of regaining my form," he said.

"Playing on the wing has been a new experience, but it's helped me, it's given me an extra dimension and it shows I can play in an extra position as well as giving me versatility.

"The only difference is in defence, in attack it's roughly the same but on the wing you're constantly in the defensive line whereas at full back you're behind it.

"But I'm under no illusions about what it's going to take to get back into the Welsh team. I've got to move Alfie (Gareth Thomas) to another position.

"I don't want to be a bit part, I want to push for a starting place in the team."