Skipper hails Slam stars

Gatland showers praise on his players after perfect campaign

Last updated: 15th March 2008

Wales Ryan Jones six nations trophy

Jones: Praise for entire team

Related links

News

Report

Gallery

Teams

Also see

Wales skipper Ryan Jones paid tribute to his Wales team-mates after they completed a memorable Gram Slam of the Six Nations Championship with a 29-12 triumph over France.

The contest was finely balanced at 9-9 approaching the hour mark, but Wales held their nerve and tries from Shane Williams and man-of-the-match Martyn Williams secured a fifth win from five.

An overjoyed Jones, told the BBC: "It is absolutely amazing. We talked all along about people having dreams - and what bigger memories than this!

"We have defended superbly, and that is what has won us the championship."

Martyn Williams, who was persuaded by coach Warre Gatland to come out of international retirement for the Six Nations championship, hailed the crowd for their support.

Williams was also part of the 2005 Grand Slam and conceded Wales had to battle hard to overcome the French.

"It is an unbelievable feeling," he added. "Thirty or 40 people have worked so hard for this, and the crowd were unbelievable again today.

"We had to dig deep in the first half, especially."

Gatland, who celebrates the Grand Slam in his first championship in charge, insisted all the plaudits should go to his players.

The New Zealander was also particularly pleased with his side's defensive efforts, Wales conceding just two tries during the course of their Six Nations campaign.

"At the end of the day, it is all about the players," Gatland stated.

"They are the ones who have a job to do for 80 minutes. A lot of those players have had it pretty tough for the last six or 12 months. When they get the reward, they deserve the recognition.

"To have only conceded two tries in this competition makes this Grand Slam thoroughly deserved."

"We knew if we could win the first game against England - and we were lucky enough to do that after a poor first-half performance - we then had two successive home games.

"It gave us a chance if we could get some momentum, and if you win a few games you become difficult to beat in this tournament. If you lose a few, you are looking at the wooden spoon."

Of the rapid success achieved by his regime, he added: "We put a few structures in place and a bit of honesty and self-belief, and these guys have been magnificent.

"You get what you deserve, and on reflection, we thoroughly deserved to win the Six Nations. I am delighted for the players.

"The last six months have been pretty tough for them, but they have responded

fantastically well.

"I will probably wake up with a smile and a hangover tomorrow. I try not to

categorise things, but winning the Grand Slam in your first season is pretty

special."