Wales - 66 Romania - 7: The scoreline might suggest otherwise, but the Wales coach Mike Ruddock has been left with something of a headache after his side romped to victory against Romania last night.
The man charged with turning Welsh potential into victories when more meaningful opponents are in town must make hard choices in at least two positions for the visit of one such team, New Zealand, in Cardiff a week today.
Does he go for Sonny Parker at outside centre or reward Tom Shanklin's impressive display in what was admittedly a one-sided affair.
But there were also significant contributions from outhalf Stephen Jones, who contributed 19 points, and young lock Luke Charteris.
Ruddock must also decide whether to pitch 6ft 9in second-row forward Charteris into the fray. Charteris gave firm evidence against Romania of his athleticism and prowess beyond the lineout area.
At the same time Shanklin could not have done much more to advance his cause for a place against the All Blacks, scoring a brace from centre in the first half and two more after moving to the wing in a second-half reshuffle. He became only the seventh Welsh player to score four tries in a Test.
Charteris and Shanklin apart, the scrumhalf Wayne Peel also impressed. The prop Gethin Jenkins continued his battle with Duncan Jones for the loose-head prop berth but selection of either of them next weekend would not be a shock.
Ruddock said: "It was 10 out of 10 for intent. It wasn't a faultless performance, but when we did get it right, we scored some magnificent tries.
"Tom is right in there for a shout next week, and we will now have an interesting selection meeting because there are a lot of close calls.
"I thought Luke Charteris had a great full debut, he took some quality lineout ball and made some big tackles. He has put himself in the hunt, as have a lot of players."
Ruddock is the first to admit Wales need to step a few rungs up the ladder if they are to challenge New Zealand, but there is a general feeling that Wales are closing in on defeating one of world rugby's major nations.
He said: "I am looking forward to the All Blacks game immensely.
"What I am trying to get is confidence, cohesion and a settled 22.
"Hopefully, next week, it will give us a measure of where we are. I don't want to take away the intent of this team to play rugby - as far as we are concerned, we want to keep generating excitement."
Wales led 35-7 at half-time following a try double from Shanklin and further touchdowns by Stephen Jones, wing Rhys Williams and prop Gethin Jenkins.
In front of a 35,000 crowd, the second half proved a similar tale, with Shanklin adding two further touchdowns before flanker Dafydd Jones and substitute scrumhalf Gareth Cooper completed the rout.
It was Wales' sixth successive victory over their eastern European opponents, but Ruddock, more than anyone, knows the acid test lies just around the corner.
WALES: G. Thomas, R. Williams, Shanklin, Henson, Luscombe; S. Jones, Peel, Jenkins, M. Davies, A. Jones, Llewellyn, Charteris, D. Jones, Charvis, Owen. Not Used: S. Jones, D. Jones, J. Thomas, M. Williams, Cooper, Sweeney, Taylor.
Tries: T Shanklin (4), R Williams, Stephen Jones, G Jenkins, G Henson, Dafydd Jones, C Cooper. Con: Stephen Jones (7), C Sweeney.
ROMANIA: Maftei (Dobre 62); Ghioc (Dimofte 79), Sauan, Gontineac, Teodorescu; Tofan, Sirbu (Andrei 80); Balan (Mavrodin 55), Zebega, Socaciu (B Balan 78), Patu (Oprisor 55), Petre (V Ursache 79), Mersoiu, Tudori, Petrache (capt). Try: Sirbu. Con: I Tofan.
Referee: K Deaker (New Zealand).
