Gatland's heroes earn their reward

Mar 16 2008 by Simon Roberts, Wales On Sunday

THIS was a magnificent Grand Slam and victory built on courage and character.

Wales fully deserved what they got yesterday and all the plaudits that come their way.

They have been the best side in the Six Nations by a country mile and showed so many admirable qualities during the tournament.

Warren Gatland’s side have beaten and overcome every obstacle which has been put in their path.

They went to Twickenham and Dublin and won, and now they have beaten a French side which only a few months ago knocked the All Blacks out of the World Cup. These players, from being down in the dumps after a disappointing World Cup, have completed a truly amazing journey.

But, unlike the Grand Slam of 2005, which was built on the Welsh way when we played some sublime rugby, the Grand Slam of 2008 was done the hard way.

Wales, as they have done throughout this campaign, handled the pressure when they needed to.

They have shown a maturity and calmness which is credit to them and their coaches. When the going has got tough, they have got going.

If there was one moment which summed up this Wales side, it would be the sight of Ian Gough and Huw Bennett chasing a lost cause midway through the second half and winning a penalty.

It was the turning moment of the game.

Just when we all wondered if Wales were ready to crack, the players dug deep and put their bodies on the line once again.

It’s something they have done throughout this competition. And anybody who doubts the fitness of this Wales squad only has to remember they have finished every game stronger than their opponent.

They finished stronger than England, Scotland, Italy, Ireland and now France.

So, perhaps, we can bury the myth of Welsh players not being fit enough for Test rugby.

I am sure Warren and Shaun Edwards will know this but Wales have to build on this success.

We failed to do that in 2005, mainly because that success was such a shock to everybody.

But I expect this side, which has really shown maturity and has bags of experience, to go on from here.

They are still a work in progress, in my opinion, and there is so much more to come from them.

Wales showed they are winners against the French, now they have to live with that tag.

When Wales has players like Stephen Jones and James Hook fighting for the No 10 jersey, it shows you the kind of strength-in-depth we have.

What we saw at the Millennium Stadium was very special.

You saw a group of players, with the help of some excellent coaches, rediscover themselves.

You saw what they are really capable of.

A nation rejoiced yesterday, but this shouldn’t be the end of anything, but the beginning of something really special.