Scrummage surge a defining moment – Ryan

Mar 17 2008 by Anthony Woolford, South Wales Echo

JUBILANT skipper Ryan Jones pinpointed the defining moment he knew a second Grand Slam in three years was in the Welsh bag.

It came during a French scrummage on the Welsh line in the second period when Jones’ pack summoned up a mammoth set-piece surge to push Les Bleus off the ball.

“That scrum was the moment we realised they had cracked and that we were better than them, and it was our game,” said the inspirational No.8.

“It was a huge pat on the back for the tight five and I think it was the recognition they deserved for the effort they put in over five games.

“We started this campaign with a lot of belief on the back of a pretty successful time for the regions.

“We have developed from within. We will hold ourselves against any team.

“I realise how special these moments are having sat on the touchline for so long with some pretty bad injuries.

“Those moments make you appreciate this success even more.

“I said to the boys that my proudest moment wasn’t lifting the trophy on behalf of them but being associated with them in the changing room, because I know how hard they have worked and they got what they deserved on Saturday.

“Occasions like Saturday are great for the people, family and friends, who are there with you during those dark times.

“Everyone wants to pat you on the back and shake your hand when things are going so well but here is not many people who pop round the house when you are sad and low.

“There’s a few defining moments of the championship.

“The way the guys closed out the England game and again the Scotland game.

“The second half performance against Italy and on top of that the first half performance against France because we laid the foundations for that second half.

“We got the rewards.

“There was also individual moments – Mike Phillips try against England, Shane’s try against Ireland.

“But what epitomises this team for me was the way we played when we were down to 14 men against Ireland.

“We took a lot of pride from that situation and we grew as a team from that.”