RHYS Webb lamented Wales' sluggish start to the Six Nations that "cost us a Grand Slam" but believes they have shown there is more to their game than just brute force.

The scrum-half was among the scorers in Wales eight-try destruction of Italy on a stunning Super Saturday when Warren Gatland's men set a tough target for title rivals Ireland and England with a 61-20 victory.

It wasn't enough and they ended up third in the table but Webb is encouraged by the way that they fought back from an opening night loss to the English, playing with panache as well as power.

"It's about starting well in international rugby. It's that 15-20 minutes after half-time and against England we were slow starting and that cost us a Grand Slam," said the scrum-half

"We have grown game to game and we have shown our attacking ability and what we can do.

We are kicking ourselves a little bit for that second half against England but you can't dwell on it and we have finishing on a high.

"We always want to play running rugby but there's a time and a place. Ireland didn't give us many opportunities," he continued. "Italy got tired and the coaches said 'if it's on, go'."

Head coach Warren Gatland said after the Six Nations finale that Wales "won't be going into the World Cup with any fears of not qualifying from our group". Webb agrees.

"We are a confident side," he said. "We know that we should have beaten England in that first game.

"We have grown and are in a really good place. We will work hard at the training camps in the summer and go to the World Cup on a high."

Webb produced another super performance at the Stadio Olimpico – adding to the tries he scored against England and Scotland – and has now established himself as first choice ahead of Mike Phillips and Gareth Davies.

"I've really enjoyed my time starting in the autumn and the Six Nations," he said. "I need to keep up my performances with the Ospreys now and then work hard for the number 9 jersey for the World Cup."