Prop Gethin Jenkins and halfback Mike Phillips were singled out for praise by Wales' coaches Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards after the 33-10 victory over Italy.
The Welsh were Grand Slam champions two years ago, but have finished only fourth in the two seasons since.
"Today we saw the real Wales," said Edwards.
"We have a very good first XV and as soon as we get our marquee players back we are the Wales of 2008."
Gatland added: "It was a good performance, very professional. We kept our patience, kept our discipline well and we didn't panic.
"We were pretty tired at half-time, but knew they were in a hell of a lot worse state and were pretty close to cracking.
"It was a lot better and let's not underestimate that when you have two world-class players back it makes a massive difference. When you are missing one or two it does impact on your performance.
"We're very disappointed with the season and we're not hiding behind that. We're frustrated - we let a couple of games slip.
"If we are accurate, keep our discipline and just learn to play with a bit more composure in tight situations we think we are capable of beating any side in the world.
"You live and die by five games in the Six Nations. You can be a hero one Six Nations and for whatever reason the next Six Nations you get the sack. We are pretty aware of it."
Captain Ryan Jones said: "I think the boys did themselves justice. Two games we could and maybe should have won, but there's nothing you can do about it.
"We've got to make that this summer (against South Africa) we start as we finished."
Italian coach Nick Mallett stated: "We started well, but in the second period of the first half we didn't have enough ball.
"And, of course, when you get a yellow card (Mauro Bergamasco was sin-binned) against a side that plays wide and has players like Byrne, Williams, Hook and Roberts it's hard to keep them out.
"We've played the whole Six Nations without Sergio Parisse and I have nothing to complain about my team.
"We showed great courage. Our dressing room is like a hospital and I'm glad this was our last game because I'm not sure we can play another."