We have won the Grand Slam but we do not want to stop there

Mar 18 2008 by Delme Parfitt, South Wales Echo

“I JUMPED on the wagon for Lent after the win over England at Twickenham. After showing the steel to come back in the second half, a celebration was in order before the 40 days started.

But after Scotland, Italy and then Ireland abstinence was agony.

However, on Saturday night, when Brains made its pub in the Cardiff brewery available, the temptation was too great, although I was still pretty early to bed.”

Shaun Edwards reflects on an almost alcohol free couple of months

“WE have won the Grand Slam but we do not want to stop there.

You’ve got to test yourself against the best teams in the world, and South Africa are number one at the moment.”

Warren Gatland looks ahead to the summer tour

“FOR me it was the turning point, the moment we realised they had cracked, we were better than they were and it was our game.”

Ryan Jones reflects on shoving France off their own scrum in the 65th minute

“IT was hammering down on the way to the ground but the fans didn’t care.

They were everywhere, cheering us on.

It was bedlam out there, they wanted it as much as us and it was just great to play in front of them.”

James Hook recalls the scenes in Cardiff city centre

“NO-ONE expected a great deal from the Welsh after their dismal World Cup, but suddenly they look more confident, tight and disciplined.

They now need to beat a side or two from south of the equator.”

Former French maverick Thomas Castaignede

“THIS is a special team and a lot of the boys have got a big future ahead of them.

“I don’t want to put a dampener on things, we didn’t handle it well in 2005 and to be a great side we have to learn the lessons from that.”

Martyn Williams after France

“THIS team is capable of winning more Grand Slams.

If we work on our weaknesses we can become a great side.”

Shane Williams after beating France

“WARREN is just a really professional guy and Shaun is a top man as well.

They’ve won trophies before, and they know what it takes to win.”

Mike Phillips, honorary member of the Gatland-Edwards Fan Club

“WE had police on bikes as well as horseback just trying to move the crowd to get the bus through.

It was pandemonium.

Everyone was having such a good time and revelling in the magical atmosphere. It was amazing.

Ian Gough savours the post-match euphoria

“THIS is the same group of players that we were all frustrated with after the World Cup, but Warren Gatland has come in and brought something to produce the remarkable turnaround.”

Former All Black scrum-half Justin Marshall, now at the Ospreys

“THIS has not been complicated therapy.

Fitness came before over-complication. Directness before sophistication.

Former Wales captain Eddie Butler

“CROWN Warren Gatland. Beatify Shane Williams. Embalm Martyn Williams.

This was a remarkable performance against a French side who refused to lie down.

Wales were assured, controlled, sharp and mature. It has been a staggering transformation.

I was there in Nantes when Fiji sent them spinning out of the World Cup and no one, no one, would have believed that out of that mess such a fine side would emerge.”

Paul Ackford, Sunday Telegraph

“THEY were patient.

They were hard-nosed and they knew exactly what they wanted and had to do.

And then at times they were brilliant box office.”

Former Wales skipper Ieuan Evans

“WE all knew the 2005 Slam was built on sand.

This time it means something and Warren Gatland is an outstanding coach in the John Dawes mould.”

Former Wales wing JJ Williams

“JOY abounded at the Millennium Stadium, but it was not of the fairytale vintage of 2005.

This time it reflected the reality that Wales deserved this – they wanted it and they went out and got it.”

Ex-England hooker Brian Moore

“THERE is often an overuse in sport of the words, awesome, magical, fantastic, unbelievable and the like.

All four of those words rightly sprang to mind. From nothing to this in the space of six months. What a success story it has been.”

Former Wales full-back JPR Williams

“SHANE Williams is on a par with Gerald Davies and JJ.

He beats people and moves at pace. He reminds me of Gerald, who could move off either foot at blinding speed.”

Former Wales second row Allan Martin

“THE most important thing is there is now great hope for the future. That’s what makes Saturday’s achievement so exciting – you sense there is more to come from this highly confident, competent and skilful bunch of Welshmen.

Welsh legend Gareth Edwards