Rugby

Wales win Six Nations Grand Slam

March 17, 2019 7:52 am

The Welsh celebrated its third Grand Slams after thrashing defending Six Nations champion Ireland 25-7 in its match this morning.

Coach Warren Gatland reflected on his own personal achievement, which he acknowledged was not possible without his squad.

Gatland says he is proud of his team after they created history together as he became the first coach to win three Six Nations Grand Slams.

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“Before the game I said that it’s about them today, it’s about the players and their families – grand history, winning the Grand Slams. These are things that no one can ever take away from you. I thought they were exceptional in the way we manage the game- our physicality and nullified what has been a lot of violent strengths in terms of strength and line-out.”

Wales took an early 16-nil lead with a try from Hadleigh Parkes and three successful conversions from Gareth Anscombe.

Gareth Anscombe then extended their lead with nine points in the second spell to seal their game.

Team Captain, Alun Jones acknowledged Gatland as an influential “one of a kind” leader.

“He eluded to the fact that when you got someone so confident at the top of the tree, that filters down and it’s hard to ignore. It’s easy to say when you’re at the back of the wind but also we’ve come under the pressure over the years and we’ve had good performances or good wins when we’re backed against the wall and it takes a certain type of character to be able to come through.”

Warren Gatland in his 50th and final Six Nations match in charge becomes the first coach in Five or Six Nations history to win three Slams, his team’s record-breaking winning run now stretching to 14 games.

Meanwhile in other six-nation matches this morning, Scotland fought back to score 31 points in the second spell holding England to a 38-all draw.

France beat Italy 25-14 to finish their disappointing Six Nations campaign with a second win, condemning the hosts to a 22nd straight defeat in the tournament.