Yes, I think we can compete well against GB, Spain & Ireland and now, NZ.Based on results in last year or so, it seems we are pretty close to teams ranked 5-8 ahead of our #9 rankings. Top 4 are probably still a bit above.
Of the top 4, Holland are way ahead of everyone and Argentina are also too good, but Australia haven't impressed me recently. Their speed and physique gets them results. We have a poor record against Germany, but given our improvements in the last 2 years, we could get a draw or even a win against these 2 teams.
Shows what continuity with a decent coach can do. When Hawgood was in charge, we'd get thrashed repeatedly by top 8 teams. Wasted so many years with zero improvements. Fitness and speed was embarrassingly bad and we had no clue about getting the ball out of defence. 2 passes and we'd gift possession away. Almost the entire match was played near our D.