ALL is not lost for Wales, says Bob Skinstad, Newport Gwent Dragons' back row signing from South Africa.

The former Springboks captain believes Wales can re-establish themselves after their debacle in Ireland last Sunday and says it was simply a bad day at the office while Ireland were magnificent on the day.

"Going to Lansdowne Road is always difficult and the crowd backing the Irish there is a big weapon," he said.

"But Wales shouldn't sit back and say the Six Nations is lost. They can still build on what they achieved in the World Cup.

"Everyone has a bad day at the office and though Ireland were magnificent Wales can still take the positives out of it like the way they came back into the game.

"But England are still the form team, they are the world champions and they are playing like it.

"I don't think Scotland even came close against them and you've got to give England the credit they are due. Though Italy tried bravely against France, England are still the best.

"I think the Six Nations is a tremendous competition and I've been incredibly impressed by the support at the Millennium Stadium."

Skinstad also praises the crowd at Rodney Parade and says he understands the problems going from a club base to regional rugby.

"The fans obviously come from a strong history and are struggling to adapt to new regions with Gwent or the Dragons alongside Newport," he said.

"But it has taken off to an extent and the more good rugby we play the better it will be for the fans.

"I've enjoyed the support I've had from the members and my family have been well received. The Welsh people are very hospitable."

Skinstad's fiance arrived from South Africa yesterday and will stay with him as long as he's here.

He believes the Dragons can go a long way. "I'm very excited about what they can do," he said. "They had the biggest mountain to climb with the new regions, but they have scaled the heights which no-one thought they would, so that's fantastic.

"There is a great spirit here and everyone is good mates which is essential. The nice thing is I'm settling in relatively quickly and easily.

"I came at a difficult stage of the season so was pulled off the bench twice, then started and I was pleased with the way I broke the line.

"The stadium is good at Newport, it's just different here. I play dry track rugby, but it's exciting that the team enjoy throwing the ball about."