Class of 2008 good enough to follow in our footsteps insist Grand Slam heroes

Feb 28 2008 by Simon Thomas, Western Mail

TWO of Wales’ 2005 Grand Slam heroes have backed the “class of 2008” to follow in their triumphant footsteps.

Michael Owen and Kevin Morgan played pivotal roles in the Six Nations clean sweep of three years ago, with Owen skippering the side for the final two matches and Morgan scoring the Slam-clinching try against Ireland.

Now Warren Gatland’s Wales team are just two steps away from repeating that success, having already beaten England, Scotland and Italy.

And Morgan and Owen firmly believe Gatland’s men have the ability to complete the Slam by defeating Ireland and France over the next couple of weeks.

Comparing the two campaigns, full-back Morgan said, “I think they are in a similar position to where we were in that no one really expected us to get the Grand Slam that year.

“But there’s been more of a turnaround in fortunes this time.

“Three years ago we had played really well in the autumn series, pushing both New Zealand and South Africa close.

“Even though we weren’t tipped to do well, there was an underlying feeling that if we could get that first win against England we could roll on from there – and that’s what we did.”

It was left to Morgan to seal the Slam with the try that saw Wales home and dry in the 32-20 victory over the Irish at a euphoric Millennium Stadium.

“That’s obviously something that I cherish,” said the Pontypridd product, who turned 31 last week.

“There was such a lot of emotion as it was the first time in 28 years we’d won the Grand Slam.

“That try is something I am really proud of. It’s obviously the highlight of my career.”

Reflecting on Wales’ current championship success, Morgan said, “It has been a surprise to a lot of people, but there’s good players in there and a lot of experience in the squad.

“Winning that first game against England would have given the squad a hell of a boost – just as it did for us in 2005.

“There would have been a lot of pressure off their shoulders, especially knowing they had three home games to come.

“Winning that first game does make a huge difference. It just takes huge pressure off you.

“Wales are looking good at the moment. They have improved with every game and I can’t see why they can’t go on to do the Slam.

“They are obviously two tough games, but I wouldn’t say either team has been outstanding. They are both good sides, but nothing for Wales to fear.”

The 49-times cap Morgan added, “Obviously, Ireland is going to be a massive game.

“I would have thought that’s Wales’ hardest match of the whole campaign. But, having said that, it’s only this last game against Scotland that Ireland started playing well.

“I think if we manage to put their pack under pressure, I think we can definitely get a victory.

“They are the type of team that, if you let them get on top early on, they swarm all over you and give you no time on the ball.

“It’s really hard to get back from going down early against Ireland. You have got to compete that first 20 to 25 minutes.

“You can’t let them get too far ahead because with the Dublin crowd getting on top of you it’s really hard to get back from that.

“We have got to try and stay in the game until half-time.

“If we can do that, then we can definitely do it because I still think the Irish team’s confidence is fragile after the World Cup they had.”

As for the championship finale against Les Bleus in Cardiff, Morgan said, “The French are obviously a bit of an enigma.

“They can be outstanding one day and dreadful the next.

“They are an inexperienced side and I don’t think they would relish coming to the Millennium Stadium.

“The big game is the one against Ireland. It’s pivotal really.”

That’s a view shared by Morgan’s Dragons team-mate Owen, who took over as skipper from the injured Gareth Thomas midway through the 2005 campaign.

“It’s great to see the boys doing so well and hopefully they can win a Grand Slam to finish it, which would be brilliant,” said the back-five forward.

“It’s going to be difficult because they are probably the two toughest games of the championship left.

“Ireland away is going to be the definitive one. If they can beat them, they would be well on their way, because I’d definitely back them to beat France.

“That Ireland game is going to be the one. If they can win that, I think they will do it, and they have definitely got a good chance out there.

“Confidence is a big thing. Since snatching victory from the jaws of defeat against England, their confidence has built steadily.”

Owen believes the current team is benefiting from the impact the 2005 side, which he and Morgan were both part of, had on the game in this country.

“In 2003, we were dubbed the worst Welsh team ever, but we worked really hard then,” he said.

“That group of players changed Welsh rugby in terms of the standards and everything.

“Everyone is much fitter now, you see that from the youngsters coming through.

“We were part of making a big change in Welsh rugby, so you feel quite a lot of pride in the fact that Wales is doing so well this year.

“It’s brilliant that the last Grand Slam could possibly be a catalyst for continuing success and hopefully Wales will win the championship again this year.”

So of course the big question is, if the 2005 team played the 2008 side who would win?

It was left to Morgan to deliver the verdict, “I’d obviously say 2005. We’d give them a spanking!”