Wales win Six Nations and Grand Slam

Mar 15 2008 icWales

Wales 29-12 France

Wales won their second Grand Slam and RBS Six Nations title in four seasons after record-breaker Shane Williams struck gold at the Millennium Stadium.

Wing wizard Williams’ 60th-minute touchdown was his 41st for Wales, putting him above Gareth Thomas as his country’s all-time highest Test try scorer.

And it made a telling difference in an attritional contest dominated by kickers and defences, before flanker Martyn Williams added a late try.

Wales fly-half James Hook kicked three penalties, while his second-half replacement Stephen Jones slotted two conversions and two penalties, rendering France scrum-half Jean-Baptiste Elissalde’s penalty hat-trick and a late Dimitri Yachvili strike irrelevant.

Wales’ clean sweep ensured a stunning start for new coach Warren Gatland, who only took over the top job last December after a World Cup flop when Wales failed to reach the knockout stages.

But less than six months on from the misery of a World Cup exit at the hands of Fiji, Wales were crowned kings of EuropeWales went ahead in the 60th minute when a crunching tackle by Shanklin on Jauzion saw the ball bounce free – and master poacher Williams did not require a second invitation.

He hacked the ball on, and then won the sprint, claiming a Welsh Test record 41st try amid scenes of unbridled celebration.

It also moved Williams level with former England centre Will Greenwood’s record of six tries in one Six Nations season.

Jones slotted the extras, lifting Wales 16-9 clear before France infringed in midfield and Jones kicked a penalty, giving the home side a 10-point advantage.

Dimitri Yachvili, on for Elissalde, narrowed the gap through a penalty, but Jones restored a healthy lead when he found his range from 40 metres.

Wales now looked unstoppable, and Mark Jones’ brilliant 60-metre run almost produced a second try as the home side looked to finish with a flourish.

Then flanker Martyn Williams put them in dreamland, adding another try three minutes from time that Jones converted, and the celebrations could begin.

It was Wales’ biggest win against France in Cardiff since 1950.

We won the Grand Slam! Picture Mand Sull

Waiting for kick off in the Millennium Stadium. Picture Mand Sull

Pre-match drinks with the French! Picture Mand Sull

Welsh fans celebrate

It's smiles all round for these Welsh fans

Patriotic fans cheer on Wales

It's all getting a bit too much for this Welsh fan

This Welsh fan can hardly bare to look

You know you can do it Wales!

Cheering on the lads

Rain? What rain?

Cheering on the Wales team

Delight as Wales show their winning ways

Come on Wales!

Cheering on the team.

Wales fans come in all shapes and sizes.

You can do it boys!

Wales fans show their support

Crowds show their support

A triumphant Wales team celebrate a great victory

We won!

Delight at a fine Wales performance.

And we were singing.... hymns and arias....

Shanks puts in a tackle

Captain Fantastic Ryan Jones lays it on the line for the boys

Mike Phillips chases the ball

France try to keep Wales in check

Mike Phillips in fine kicking form

Wales and France in action

Martyn Williams in the thick of the action

High flying Wales on the move

France take their chances

The French see a gap

Henson gets his man

We did it! Wales triumphant

Wales team celebrate with a hug

A delighted Wales captain, Ryan Jones

Wales captain, Ryan Jones

All smiles from Ryan Jones

Wales victorious

Adam Jones salutes the fans

Warren Gatland congratulates James Hook

A hug from a delighted coach

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RBS Six Nations, Wales v France 2008

Mar 15 2008

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Action and fan images from the Wales v France Grand Slam decider

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