Ruddock's raiders ready to roll into history

14 April 2012

Martyn Williams inspired Wales' latest giant leap towards Grand Slam glory but insisted the players cannot contemplate making history just yet.

They are too busy enjoying more simple pleasures.

A third successive win, this one more dramatic, heroic and accomplished than those over England and Italy, leaves Wales on course for a first clean sweep in 27 years. For Mike Ruddock and his squad, 'Slam' is a forbidden word, but there is no doubting the excitement as they savour the rare delight of being able to show their faces in public.

Yesterday's confirmation that captain Gareth Thomas had broken a thumb and will almost certainly miss the rest of the championship cannot detract from the magnitude of their achievement. Wales conjured up a dazzling comeback victory in hostile territory when they had seemed down and out. France rediscovered their forward power and attacking zest, but still the visitors overwhelmed them. And they did it with a swagger.

The hosts ran riot in the first half to take a 15-3 lead, then came the spectacular Wales fightback and finally there was a gutsy last stand in the shadow of their own posts - defence and defiance to finish the job off. Truly breathtaking.

From wooden-spoonists two years ago, Wales are now hurtling towards a place in legend. Should Scotland be dispatched, as expected, in 13 days' time, Wales will face Ireland in Cardiff with a Grand Slam up for grabs.

But for two- try hero Martyn Williams and Co, the winning habit has brought more immediate benefits as well as new challenges.

'It's nice to be able to walk round at home and not hide for a change,' he said. 'We must keep our feet on the ground because you know what it will be like - everyone will take Scotland for granted. But we're closeknit and we'll learn to deal with it.'

After 12 minutes on Saturday, Wales looked in more danger of having to deal with a thrashing. They were smashed in the scrum and showing alarming lapses in defence. Bernard Laporte's under-fire home side had set out to attack and had already scored tries through Dimitri Yachvili and wing Aurelien Rougerie.

For the remainder of the first half Wales, outplayed at every turn, did just enough to stay in touch. Despite Yachvili adding a penalty, Stephen Jones struck two of his own to make it 15-6 at the break.

The transformation was a credit to Ruddock. His sensible assessment of the situation, words of wisdom and refusal to panic took pressure off his players. They were set free.

One minute, four seconds after half-time they were on their way. Stephen Jones cut loose on a 60-yard counter-attack from his own 22 and, when the ball was shipped left at speed, Shane Williams danced around Rougerie and sent Martyn Williams dashing over the line.

Jones converted and, within three minutes, Wales led. Another run by Shane Williams earned a penalty and Martyn Williams took a quick tap and touched down.

Suddenly, France's mental resolve was shattered. They even started going backwards in the scrum. Frederic Michalak came on to level with a drop-goal, but, after kicking another penalty, Stephen Jones dropped a better goal of his own to give Wales a six-point cushion.

Even so, once France summoned up the will for a late rally, Wales needed to show character - and they did so massively. The players scrapped and scrambled as if their lives depended on it. And the scrum, under pressure for so long, stood firm when it mattered. Four times France tried for a push-over or penalty try; but Wales held them .

The joy was summed up by Stephen Jones. 'Two years ago a Welsh side didn't win one game,' he said. 'It is only through hard work that we've improved. To win three out of three makes me a very happy Welshman.'

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