Team effort lifts spirits

BBC Sport Online columnist Colin Charvis says it was great to hear cheers, not jeers, at the Millennium Stadium - despite defeat

The performance against Australia was much needed on many accounts.

If you consider how we played against Argentina to how we played for most of the game against the Wallabies, I think the squad and management have turned things around quite positively.

There was a lot of media criticism, but having the crowd boo us for the second time - after the Argentina defeat - stopped us in our tracks.

I think we hit rock bottom and knew something had to be done. It was a collective thing, with management and staff attempting to turn it around.

Action stations: Charvis on the break against Australia

The attitude, belief and determination put in by all the players was part of it.

We have also had a bit of a shake-up, with Steve Hansen joining as forwards coach - and he seems to be settling in.

There's also a new captain, Scott Quinnell, bringing a new voice to the situation. That's no disrespect to Dai Young, who we all thought did a great job, but perhaps there was a new angle on things.

The squad realised we were all in it together. We couldn't look at Graham Henry or Dai or Scott for the answers.

Everyone has taken responsibility for their role, whether it is players, coaches, medical staff and we rallied around really well.

It would have been nice to have won, but you have to give credit to Australia.

What we can take are a few positives out of the game, such as our defence, the fact that we came within eight points of them and we had the crowd cheering. Now we have to move onwards and upwards.

It was a tough game, as all internationals are these days.

David Giffin was sent to the sin-bin for stamping on me, but there was no harm done. I don't think there was malicious intent - if it was malicious it would have been a lot different.

Scott Quinnell has provided a fresh voice

I didn't feel I had any points to prove against the Australians, I just concentrated on my own game.

The match was enjoyable and there aren't many games you can enjoy if you are losing.

But I had the ball in my hands on quite a few occasions. It's doesn't happen for Wales as often as it does for Swansea.

The enthusiasm was good and, on a personal level, it was one of the most enjoyable build-ups and matches I have had with Wales.

I was also involved in some line-out work, which is something Steve Hansen has brought in.

I managed to escape being a line-out jumper for a number of years, but it's something I'm feeling more comfortable with each week.

It's even got to the stage where I've asked the guys to stay out for some extra work!