Ross Moriarty revealed Wales' players were given a stern wake-up call by head coach Warren Gatland before beating England to become the number one side in the world.
The former Gloucester star helped them avenge their defeat at Twickenham six days earlier and felt they dominated physically to triumph 13-6 at the Principality Stadium.
“Training’s been very tough on everyone,” said Moriarty.
“This week we had a good kick up the a**e in training so we knew what needed to be done.
“As a forward pack we knew we needed to turn up the physicality and no-one likes being dominated by any team so we knew England were coming here, it wasn’t going to happen.”
The result means Wales will officially be top of the World Rugby rankings from Monday, just over a month out from the start of the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
“We’ll see after the World Cup where we stand but it’s not a bad statement,” said Moriarty.
"We’re the first team to be classed as number one ever, so something to be proud of.”
Moriarty, who joined the Dragons from Gloucester last year in order to keep his international career alive, will be a key player for Wales during the World Cup.
With Taulupe Faletau ruled out with a collarbone injury, he has made the number eight shirt his own but insists he does not feel any pressure on his shoulders in a young back row.
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Moriarty said: “It’s sad for Toby, he’s obviously had a long lay-off with injury and he’s come in and got injured in training.
“It’s sad for any player to go through that so it’s just an opportunity for me to take over the number eight shirt.”
