What they said about Wales' Triple Crown show...

Mar 10 2008 Western Mail

IEUAN EVANS, The Sunday Telegraph

The one thing sweeter than victory in Dublin was the fact that Wales continue to improve. There is plenty still to work on, but this side, brimming with passion and professionalism, is answering every question asked of it.

Enjoy the present and the sight of Ryan Jones, simply magnificent on Saturday, holding the Triple Crown aloft.

I should be trying to dampen great expectations. I cannot, because it is not just the here and now I am enjoying so much, it is what the long-term future holds.

EDDIE BUTLER, The Observer

It was not the most glittering of their Grand Slam exploits, but an away day at Croke Park is no cue for brilliance. Compared with what was to follow in Edinburgh it was a riot, a veritable spectacle, with little Shane Williams passing a milestone of his own. The one result sets up a beauty in Cardiff on the last weekend.

The Triple Crown is but a saucer for the Grand Slam cup. Stand by for a week of frenzy.

That Wales’ Grand Slam is paved on the ruins of England's season will only make the frenzy more hysterical. Funny old season.

JONATHAN DAVIES, The Independent on Sunday

Wales’ charge to the Triple Crown has been as stylish as it has been steely and this was their best performance so far. It was the hardest and most physical task they have faced but they dominated Ireland with an icy, intelligent control no way reflected in the scoreline.

I firmly believe that this Welsh team can now go on to beat France at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday and win the Grand Slam. What an achievement that would be considering how bedraggled they looked after the World Cup last year.

BARRY JOHN, Wales on Sunday

There are some games where teams find out just who they are – in Dublin’s fair city Wales not only did that, they told the rest of the world too. They are a team on the brink of something special. A side that can capture a Grand Slam.

I suggested last week that Ireland and Croke Park was going to be a litmus test. Boy, oh boy, was red the colour that came out on top.

The team ethos is there for all to see. And when they celebrate a Grand Slam next week – because this side can beat France – they will be a team Welsh rugby will remember forever.

NEIL JENKINS, News of the World

Shane Williams is one good performance away from landing the coveted player of the Six Nations award. Shane has been superb for Wales and he had three reasons to be the happiest man in Dublin on Saturday.

He equalled Gareth Thomas’ Welsh record for Test tries, he finally broke his try-scoring duck against Ireland and his brilliant second-half score means we’re one win away from a stunning Grand Slam.

Shane’s efforts aside, it was a fantastic team effort at Croke Park.

STEPHEN JONES, The Sunday Times

It will be a brave man indeed now who will say that Wales will not win the Grand Slam by beating France in Cardiff next weekend. It would take a bitter cynic to say they would not deserve it, and a dullard who would deny the attractive exuberance with which they play.

The Millennium Stadium, the grandest stage in world rugby, is now ready to acclaim what would be the greatest comeback Slam in European rugby history. For me Dublin was always the acid test. Now that the job is done I am sure Wales can beat France. Cue hymns and arias.