State of the Nation: Wales
As we do after every major tournament, we take a look at the state of affairs in each of the competing nations. First up, Wales!
As we do after every major tournament, we take a look at the state of affairs in each of the competing nations. First up, Wales!
They came, they saw, they conquered.
Wales won their third Grand Slam in eight years – following those in 2005 and 2008 – when they took the Six Nations title at the weekend, emulating the feat of the legendary Welsh sides of the 1970s.
Wales' 16-9 win over France also gave Warren Gatland's troops a measure of revenge for their heart-breaking World Cup semi-final defeat last year.
Under a weight of huge expectancy, the Welsh did not disappoint as captain Sam Warburton lifted the Six Nations trophy to spark jubilant celebrations in Cardiff.
The Dragons now have 11 Grand Slams in total, just one less than arch-rivals England, and you wouldn't bet against them adding a couple more in the near future. Gatland's side may be Six Nations champions but they can, and should, get better.
Wales have looked the best drilled and equipped side throughout the Six Nations, and were strong enough to overcome Ireland (23-21), Scotland (27-13), England (19-12) and Italy (24-3) before their Grand Slam deciding clash with the French.
Whilst it's impossible to compare the current crop with the likes of Gareth Edwards, Barry John and Gerald Davies, who shone so brightly in the red jersey some 40 years ago, one thing that is for certain is that a great future awaits this squad.
Wales managed to score 10 tries in the 2012 Championship – all coming from the backs who remained unchanged for five successive Test matches.
Gatland's solidity in selection was further underlined by the fact that three forwards in action on Saturday also started their fifth successive Six Nations game this term (ten players in total), and could have well been more had injuries not hampered the team.
But it is the youth attached to Gatland's side which makes their success story so exciting.
Youth as in 23-year-old captain Warburton, Toby Faletau (21), Alex Cuthbert (21), and wing George North who at 19 has been hailed as the next Jonah Lomu.
Much has made of their youth, but really this Welsh side play with a maturity beyond their years. Securing a Triple Crown at Twickenham and coming from behind in the dying minutes to beat Ireland showed courage and character as well as raw talent.
After finishing fourth at the World Cup and with Gatland tied to a long-term contract, the Grand Slam could be the first step toward regularly competing for honors and challenging the southern hemisphere nations.
Whisper it quietly in Wales but they have won just one of their last 16 Tests against Tri-Nations opposition. However, they have the chance to improve that record when Gatland – primed to be named the next British and Irish Lions coach – takes Wales to Australia for a three-Test series in June.
Win or lose Down Under, for the time being, Wales are champions… something rugby fans might be hearing for some years to come.