Wales v France Six Nations Rugby

country. The noise levels in the build up to the game has been

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extraordinary, but there is nothing The talk is all of Grand Slams. The

drama of Dublin and Twickenham and the two wins against Scotland and

Italy, set up the perfect finale. It is perfect, of course, if France

don't rediscover their flair and there is not a repeat of the night

in Auckland, when a card dealt a hammer blow. That still hurts.

If statistics can offer hope, they offer help to the Welsh today. In

71 and 76, 78 and 08, a victory over the French has secured the

Grand Slam. This is a Welsh team that has changed a lot. Two

survivors from the starten line-up in 2005, in a side that played fast

and free, they play tight and loose. This day is all about Wales, but

the French have more than their share of support. Their team is

more than capable of driving a wrecking ball through the best-laid

plans. This could be a frustrating mix of

the brilliant and the bannal, culminating in a display of passion

and panache. The stands hope not. The overwhelming majority without

tickets here today, just wanting to be a part of the side's success.

Young pretenders to the crown of Mervyn Davies who years ago. Then

it was Mervyn Davies, Gareth, Barry, now, it is Jordan, Lee, Sam and

Barry, but there is still a match to be won.

Obviously the death announced yesterday of Mervyn Davies adds

poingnancy to this game today. He was a giant on and off the field.

He was carried off. It is something to remember. Winning a Grand Slam

Mervyn Davies was one of the great all-round players, that has ever

played for Wales. He was just a damn nuisance to play

against. It is the sign of a good forward.

One of the greatest number eights that the world has ever seen.

COMMENTATOR: In the middle Rawlston And from the days when the Welsh

fans would go to the Cardiff Arms Park, to expect victory, 40 years

on, to a crowd that are expecting victory this afternoon and a third

How crucial a figure in Welsh rugby How crucial a figure in Welsh rugby

How crucial a figure in Welsh rugby was Mervyn Davies? Where you

mention JPR. Merv the Swerve Is in the list will stop we grow up

watching Mervyn Davies. Not only for London Wales. He was a legend.

He was a lovely man. By mentioned it adds an extra element to today.

-- I mentioned. It is extraordinary when a great other game should die

before a great occasion like this. When the game has started, it is

the media who cares about that, for the players there is a match to be

won. We pay respects to Mervyn Davies and our thoughts are with

the family. They can remember him in the changing rooms. And then it

will be business as usual. Tom has, your guys can spoil the party.

disagree with the coaches. The game has to be played in good conditions.

We have a fantastic stadium here, the roof should have been closed.

The pitch is looking greasy. That might be a factor. It's could be. I

have seen France playing more rugby in their warm up than in the Six

Nations so far. I hope they take this attitude of training on to

playing. We should decide whether it is open or not. Did the

taxpayers and great Britain pay for the roof, or was it just the

Welsh?! It is a big day for Warren Gatland, the Welsh coach. Good to

see you. Welsh rugby lost a legend this week. Have the boys been

spurred on by the news? He was a legend. Not just a great Welsh

player, but one of the greatest in the world. The former captain of a

Grand Slam winning team. It is a loss to Welsh rugby. Our hearts go

out to his family and friends. It has been noted this week. It will

be one of the reasons that it will spur them on today. De sit add to

the motivation? -- does it? It is affecting. Losing someone who was

one of the best of his generation. The players recognise that. That

will be in the back of their minds. It is about performing today.

fans talk about revenge. We're have not spoken about it. You have to

put those things past you. You have to put it in the back of your minds.

They remember Eden Park and the disappointment of the sending off.

You have to move on. We felt we has done that. We have a chance.

have old heads in the squad and a lot of young men. It will be a day

of destiny. Can they manage the expectation? We will find out after

80 minutes. You are given moments in your career and you want to

seize them. This is something no one can take away from you. You can

say after today you were part of a great Grand Slam team. You come on

the bus and you see the crowd. It puts the hairs on the back of your

neck up. You cannot get more motivation and turning up today at

a full Millennium Stadium. They keep saying a lot of young players

in the side. How much will this match be won in ahead? They have

shown maturity and composure in the tournament. It will be difficult

for them. They have played most of the rugby in good conditions. What

they will do is kick and chase a lot, try to take them up front, but

if Wales can win the set piece, it will give them a platform. If that

happens and Wales start well, I think we will win. I think we are

good enough to win today. Forget the head, it is out there and doing

the right thing at the right time. What is the possibility. In the

World Cup, the French were also the place and outstanding in the final.

What is the possibility of the real French team turning up? We had

nothing to lose in that game, so that is a good point. We came into

the tournament to have answers and we have more questions than before.

We cannot produce passes. Our defences in a bad condition. And we

come here, and we do not know where to go. These are the 15 starters

to go. These are the 15 starters who are hoping to book their places

who are hoping to book their places in the history books. A very

experienced French row. Adam Jones is crucial to Wales. Ian Evans has

played exceptionally well. Sam game in difficult conditions. He's

too, as well, we expect a lot of ball-carrying. A few dummy runners

as well to bring Leigh Halfpenny, George North and Alex Cuthbert into

the game. In that golden era of the 1970s, it did seem that the Welsh

Grand Slam team was the same week- in, week-out. You can see from the

2005 Grand Slam team, there are only going to be two names from

that starting line-up. It is time Especially as captain, you talk a

lot more. I tend to talk a lot in defence, just to keep the boys on

their toes. I think he is a once in a generation type of player. You

don't want to see a prop to what he does on the field. He is going to

score! Can you believe it, from a prop? He has been outstanding for

years now. He is a world-class tight-head prop Angie won't find

many props who have got one over on him. When he doesn't play, we do

struggle. We can give each other when we started to, then we got to

know each other. He used to love me when we did three kilometres runs.

He used to tap me on the backside and say, come on! Not in a nice

way! A I did used to give him a friendly tap on the way round. I

don't think I loved him too many times. He knows more about the dark

arts than me. As a tight-head, that is where he earns his bread and

butter. I seve my scrummaging asthma primary job, it is a

secondary thing for him. I was told by a French supporter this week

that all I'm going to be doing next year his scrummaging. I do really

enjoy it. The other parts of the game might be more enjoyable. We

always wind each other up before the game. I always tell him that he

might not be playing and have a rest. I missed the game at

Christmas, had a chest infection. He is not the easiest player to

play against. The last three or four times replayed Cardiff, I have

got the nudge on him, so I will take that over the fitness any day!

The Millennium Stadium, be it in sunshine. Everybody is singing

Delilah. I gather Tom Jones is here. I wonder if he is joining in? Those

two guys have been bastions of the Welsh team. Anybody he was watching

the match before, you can see how getting control in the front row is

so essential. Those two guys have got an important role to play today.

It is interesting that we always talk that the game starts at the

front and that determines how the tax will play. Those to have been

around for an eternity, but they seem to be improving with maturity.

Adam Jones has to do so much work, particularly against the French. It

is quite a macho thing, we need to win the scrummage were the rest

will fall to bits. It will be an interesting confrontation. This is

the last game for William Servat. Pascal Pape takes the lead after at

the retirements of the old captain. The diamond of the team is this

back row. Thierry Dusautoir is an incredible tackler. This is the

last game for Julian Bonnaire. We had a lack of leaders and Dimitri

Yachvili came on to bring something different in the last game. Lie

Lionel Beauxis will have to play better. In the centre as we went

from speed to power. Florian Fritz came on to bring more power. We put

the speedy guys on the wing. Wesley Fofana broke the line many times.

Clement Poitrenaud will be the key Welcome to Cardiff. 250,000 Welsh

men and women are out on the streets. Some party you will spoil

if you win today! We are not playing against the Welsh team, but

the whole country! We know it will be hard, but we full play for our

pride. We will give 100 % this afternoon. 4G believes that you're

tight five is coming to believe them today. Is that the game plan?

No, we're just coming to play the game. One interception against

Ireland, two turnovers against England's and we'd lost and treat

the game. We know that Wales are very confident team. I have a lot

of English friends who want us to win today because that means they

can still win! Five months ago Wales were beaten by France in the

World Cup. Are you players aware that there is a mission to exact

revenge? Yes, from the semi-final of the World Cup. We have played

consecutive weeks and the Welsh have had a week off from us so

there are many things in this game. We will see after the game!

stadium has gone a bit quiet after so much noise in the last 15

minutes! If you're down in the changing rooms, Shane Williams, can

you hear all this? The guys have come out and had their warm-up and

would have felt the atmosphere. You can hear all this from the changing

room. You know exactly what is going to happen as soon as you step

out here. The nerves will really be kicking in now. They are pumping up

the volume as you can hear behind Wales is in a Grand Slam frenzy.

Who better to know what is going through their minds than this man?

The players are looking very focused. The players were just want

to get out and get on the pitch and do what they do best and focus on a

game of rugby. They have got to switch off from the summer sphere

and concentrate. Greasy conditions, all that play into the hands of the

French? Maybe a little bit. The boys will not be worried about the

conditions. If they do their job properly, the result will be in no

doubt. Here come the team's, and here comes the Grand Slam decider,

The Shane Williams, you have lived true this as a player, how

different is it being on the touchline? I am just as nervous

today, to be honest! It is a different atmosphere. A lot of

these guys playing today will never have encountered this kind of

atmosphere, so it will be incredible. These players will not

know what is about to hit them! Jeremy Guscott, do you expect this

to be a spectacle, or is there too much at stake? I think the

conditions and the French team that has been picked means it will be a

conservative game. Wales will have learned from the England game, play

territory, make the opposition make their mistakes. How will the French

win? If we win by the smallest margin, we will accept that. Many

questions have to be answered and maybe today's the day for that to

happen. No words necessary for this! A Welsh team are waiting in

the tunnel about 30 yards away from us. They will here the noise all

around the country and beyond. The expectation is huge. The noise is

mounting amounting to a crescendo. -- Mounting and mounting. These are

the men that have Welsh rugby Wales are led out by 4G, winning

his 50th cap. It is fascinating when you consider that all the

matches that these countries have played together, 89 matches, 42

Before we have the anthems, Wales and New Zealand are united today in

a loss of two of their sporting heroes, Jack Hobbs and Merv the

Swerve. A moment's reflection on two of the finest players ever to

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Police than to observe a minute's Now it is time to get down to

business. After the anthems, commentary from Jonathan Davies and

# Allons enfants de la Patrie. # Le jour de gloire est arrive!

# Contre nous de la tyrannie. # L'etendard sanglant est leve.

# L'etendard sanglant est leve! # Entendez-vous dans les campagnes.

# Mugir ces feroces soldats. # Ils viennent jusque dans vos bras.

# Egorger vos fils et vos compagnes!

# Aux armes, citoyens. # Formez vos bataillons.

# Marchons, marchons! # Qu'un sang impur.

# Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi.

# Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri.

# Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mad.

# Dros ryddid collasant eu gwaed. # Gwlad, gwlad.

# Pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad. # Tra mor yn fur i'r bur hoff bau.

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This stage is cleared on Grand Slam France come to Cardiff, Wales have

been preparing for a physical onslaught all week. We talk about a

young Welsh team, Wales have experience to. Their front row are

all over 30 years. Past experience from Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees

and Adam Jones. A 50th cap today for Matthew Rees. And 80th cap for

tight-head prop Adam Jones. Aurelian Rougerie, one of the

veterans of the French three- quarter line, Gethin Jenkins,

loose-head for Wales, captain in the last game. Dimitri Yachvili

restored to France today and scrum- half Adam Jones, the cornerstone of

extraordinary in the back row. Jonathan, good afternoon. Good

afternoon. Well, the heavens opened and it is very slippery. It will

not be pretty. The referee today is Craig Joubert. He is last seen

refereeing France in the World Cup final. The RBS Six Nations showdown

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is under way at the Millennium kicking game. The roof is open, it

is exactly what the French team player carrying it is in touch?

did exceptionally well not to get into touch. No pressure on Lionel

Beauxis or Yachvili. There we go. Two minutes gone. Wales on the

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there was the lovely miss-pass. A air? Play on, says the referee. And

France the nurse themselves into the Welsh half. He started well,

could have been a penalty for France. He was going for the ball.

Most of the time, as soon as someone touches someone in the air,

you usually see a penalty so Wales very well played. It was not a ruck

formed so he could make the tackle on Mike Phillips and held him up.

France have reinforced their pack. Every one of the French pack is

over 30, apart from the second row, Yoann Maestri. Only the Welsh front

Defensive line speed by France. And they are not committing anyone to

the rucks at the moment. Wales have knocked on. Another advantage to

France being played. And they will Rougerie. If that Paul had just

holed up in the field of play, that would have been very, very

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interesting but good vision by Rhys France are quite happy to slow the

rhythm of the game down. That is what they have done in the

tournament, come on the counter errors. But the heavens did open

just before kick-off so it is a very slippery surface. Just watched

ground, get up on the feet and play it. Unfortunately, that is a French

penalty. France's best position of the game so far. The willingness of

France to slow it all down, Wales trying to give it real momentum.

That is what they have done throughout the tournament. They

have sat back, then they have counter-attacked and scored tries.

We know they are capable of doing it. Lionel Beauxis's kicking put

him in these positions. Now they will try and bring the centres into

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will do that a lot, very difficult who had to release? It is very,

very difficult for these players at the tackle area, but they have got

to listen to the referee. Irrespective if they think they're

in the right, it is only one man who makes that decision and today

it is Craig Joubert, so listen to what he says. Dimitri Yachvili! In

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one of the few times in to the Jimmy Roberts. Pressure from Wales.

-- Jaime Roberts. Jamie Roberts coming into play almost for the

first time. Expertly placed and 4G now with the chance to find, who?

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Alun Wyn Jones? It is Toby Faletau rollaway. They are blitzing

sometimes through the phases, and then there are also doing did drift

defence from set-piece, or when they are short, which is very, very

good. There is Dimitri Yachvili, number nine, not getting away from

the ball. Very good defence. Just watch Dimitri Yachvili coming in

from the outside very, very quickly. They are playing a drift defence,

but they vary it very, very well. Not many players are being

committed to the ruck, so it will be extremely difficult for the

Welsh to break them down unless they get very, very quick ball.

They are managing to slow everything down. Leigh Halfpenny.

There is plenty of light and not far side, the clouds have been

lifted for the moment. Sorry, it is Rhys Priestland with the kicking

rebound, Dimitri Yachvili with the clearance. We will, I could strike,

but very unfortunate. He has started well in open play, put in a

few lovely passes, so his confidence will be OK. As a goal

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Good call. Here is a big hit. Again, the ball is slow. Good tackle. At

the moment, the French defence is coping very, very well and soaking

everything up. They will be quite happy. The Welsh have not

threatened yet. Gethin Jenkins referee says he did everything he

earning them the pit in at the scrum. -- the put in. He did

everything he could, but he was have come to Cardiff today are in

the ground, and that is 75,000! have walked through Cardiff and it

is absolutely crazy today! That was against Gethin Jenkins on the

Servat. He has just got to stand there, though. If you stood were he

was, he would not have get -- would not have got in the way. New

Zealand are fantastic at that, just being in the way. Loitering, lazy

runners. The one statistic that is crucial is the one on the

scoreboard, and here they are again. They will look for a catch and

That was very, very well worked. If he had managed to get the pass

away... very, very well played by France. As soon as they went

forward, and noticeable difference That was a good measure of ground

for them from the relieving kick. Philippe Saint-Andre looks down,

going to score! Turnover ball and Wales strike against France! One a

magnificent finish by Alex Cuthbert! Turnover ball and that is

what you have to do, you have to put the ball through their hands

when you turn the ball over. What a magnificent finish! Here is the

impact of Dan Lydiate. He makes the tackle on Thierry Dusautoir. It is

a lovely ball, the ankle. What a great finish that these! -- the

Servat was just caught on the blind side. They all push across and he

warning there, but they remained around. I want to say Get Well Soon

to my dad who had a little stroke. He is in hospital. Get well soon,

dad. From us all. This core has down that very well organised

French defence. It came from a fantastic combination, Dan Lydiate

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French in the World Cup final, has not played in the Six Nations.

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messing, fires it down to his pass. This is better for Wales.

Lionel Beauxis came in with the defence behind the French. Are to

be top weight on it. -- put a bit middle. Danger here. The pass

misses everybody from Harinordoquy. Usually seeing the French place of

magnificent rugby but in this tournament, their handling skills

have not been of the highest order. I don't know what they are trying

to do. They are lacking in skills, just to make the most of

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have got themselves in a bit of a pickle. They have done ever so well

to gather the ball back. Mike Phillips in danger. He looked up at

just the wrong moment. A sticky few seconds for Wales. The only good

chance of going wide. They have to kick. Priestland high towards the

touchline. I'm just wondering whose ball at will be? Free-kick worked.

Bypassing didn't but the kick has given Wales the put-in. It is

pretty hectic up here, what is it like at ground level? There is a

great atmosphere down here. For me at the moment, Mike Phillips and

Rhys Priestland, and Wales are playing in the right areas. A great

start for us. The majority of the game is in the French half. Martyn

Williams who had a bit of a game himself one Wales won the Grand

Slam against France in 2008. Yachvili made a nuisance of himself.

Mike Phillips under certain pressure from Yachvili. Yachvili is

a great scavenger and nuisance. France to have the put-in and

Yachvili will feed. The Yachvili gets his foot in, forces the knock-

Jonathan Davies. He spots the move, he goes in. Lionel Beauxis tries to

get the pass away, hits his chest. Just watch. He knew the runaround

was on, read the play well. He has carried the ball exceptionally well,

defended well. And there he is. Jonathan Davies lets annexes

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Palisson get back on his feet. -- game is good. They are winning the

kicking game. Lionel Beauxis is the only kicker whereas you have Leigh

Halfpenny, Jonathan Davies, it gives you options. They are now

turning the pressure into points. attracting back for the kick. --

tracking back. Play on. George does not believe it. It would be

interesting to see that again. Well-taken. A beautiful catch by

Well taken by the wing. Now they pressure. France have got nobody

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back apart from Clement pack are no it?! Rougerie B claims the ball.

Not so monotonous now for France. Leigh Halfpenny had it safely

covered. Under five minutes to go until half-time. France on the

attack. Thick kicking game has right. They had numbers to go.

Unfortunately, execution was not good. It has been an absorbing 36

minutes. Wales making one turnover count and that has been the

difference. Aurelian Rougerie, his think he has got to be up there as

the favourite for the player of the tournament, the RBS Six Nations

player of the tournament. Dan Lydiate has been immense. Front

Excellent defensive work. Two mauls and Wales get a penalty from the

one that counted. Your nine cannot pull out of a maul and then

collapse. Yachvili, once again pulling out of the maul and then

collapsing it. He has given away a Wales will settle for this. It is

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their throw. That is the ten-metre turnover ball at the line-out for

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quick ball they want. Not so quick. Matthew Rees has his hands on the

ball. Penalty advantage to Wales. I have seen it -- I have seen him

do it on numerous occasions for the goal in 10 points in front. Here is

Dimitri Yachvili. He missed a couple of games with back trouble.

He has been involved in absolutely everything, a lot of it on the

negative side. He will cements last week for Biarritz and forced his

way into the side. He is so composed and has time on the ball

every time. He is not having his reassuring sight for Wales.

don't give him the commentators Roberts! That will be half-time.

Half-time at the Millennium Stadium. A an absorbing first half. Wales

are playing magnificently. Their territorial game has been spot on.

They have turned their pressure into points and putting width on

the turnover for that crucial try. Very good first half for Wales. You

would expect France to try and play emotion before the kick-off was

absolutely huge. Rhys Priestland had a kick at goal early on and it

hit the post. Alex Cuthbert, what a magnificent finish that was. That

is the difference between the sides at the moment. The game has been

repeatedly? Absorbing. It is What a Six Nations game! Intensity,

physicality. Some of their hits going in are unbelievable. Wales

are in control, great field position. We have got so much

cutting edge, that is the difference. Last week, Wales got

into the 22 and did not come away with the points. This time they are.

Yes, fantastic try by Alex Cuthbert. France are trying to slow

everything down, but when it is broken up Wales are very dangerous.

At the moment, Dan Lydiate is the man of the match. He has got to be

up there for Player of the tournament. The work around the

Shane Williams, you're a bit nervous! You can see that, can you?

Wales started off playing well, but not really getting anywhere. What

they need to do is just keep kicking the ball, playing to rugby

in France's half, because they have got all their points from that. The

need to keep doing that. What do you make of all the kicking?

don't really recognise the French team. We get rid of the ball most

of the time. We did start the game better than in previous games, but

I think they need to play a bit more. When they do play, they get

opportunities but if they keep on playing like that, we have no

chance. The French insisted on the roof being open. In the first 10

minutes there was a catalogue of efforts -- a catalogue of mistakes.

It rained about 45 minutes before kick-off, so you couldn't really

expect anything else. Imanol Harinordoquy is normally safe under

the high ball. The ball is like a bar of soap. Even Dimitri Yachvili

can't control the ball. It adds to the frustration. That is why you

need a simple game plan, so I thought it would play into the

French's hands. Just played the territory. Wales were doing the

right things at the right time. will be hard to chase the game with

the conditions. The French defence has been immense. It has been much

better, much better organised. The Welsh game can be a bit predictable.

On the one on one tackle, we have been good. I think the French have

studied were Rhys Priestland is likely to stand. He stands very

deep. He has a long way to go to get to the gain line. That is great

defence. In the first 20 minutes there was a lot of pressure from

the French. Rhys Priestland didn't have a great game against the

English. It has taken him 25 minutes to get his foot in in this

game. Many people will be remembering Mervyn Davies today.

And that you are, you remember the French and how inspirational they

were. A lot of people won't recognise this as a French team.

think we have lost a bit of confidence. It is the four words

you're having to do the work. I think William Servat should have

passed the ball there, he was a bit greedy. We should have scored.

Welsh try. You and Alex Cuthbert share a lot of things, mostly that

you both play on the wing! The he has played so well. For a finish

was incredible, to be fair. He is a huge man. He had a lot of work to

do, to be fair. Inside Julian Bonnaire. He has had to come off

his boots Price. A great finish. Look how flat Rhys Priestland is.

You have got the overlap there. There are three forwards in that

defence line. He has still got to beat Clement Poitrenaud and you

just beaten down. Alun Wyn Jones is a bit lucky there as he went down

on his knee, but he got away with it. Once or twice the Welsh had

turnovers and they did not play quick ball and they did not get the

overlap. The basics of the game are so important, and the Welsh line-

out has been a cause for concern. Today the variety of it has been

fantastic. There is seen to be doing well in this area, after last

week. All you have to do is get some clean ball to the backs. It is

about getting a safe ball and getting to play off it. They are so

confident that they have gone to different areas in the line-out.

With England's you know it is going to Tom Croft eight out of 10 times.

It is great the fact that the line- out has not been going well, but

they still have the confidence to go to the back. You could even pick

the winners in the line-out because they're so tall. Sam Warburton has

been working very hard to get fit for this game, it is such a big

game for him but he is off for a shoulder injury -- all for a

shoulder injury. He will be replaced by Ryan Jones.

We are exactly halfway through this final day of the RBS Six Nations.

England against Ireland to come at 5 o'clock. The day began in Rome.

Beautiful sunshine there. It was in the mid-70s there! This single try

was enough to give Italy victory. The Scottish were not helped by

eight to sin-bins, it neither of this year. What does the future

We put in so much work, but we have missed out at times. In the last

two games we have not been up to the standards that we were in the

first three games. That is the disappointment for us. Am sure

there will be a lot of conjecture about the future of Andy Robinson.

England against Ireland is at 5 o'clock, and if France were to find

something to amend the one here at the Millennium Stadium and England

beat Ireland by a bucket load of points, the championship good --

the championship could go to Twickenham, but that looks unlikely.

I would love to go to the relay races at the Olympics. I am getting

into the archery at the moment. wrestling! Beach volleyball. Beach

volleyball. I have tickets for the beach volleyball! It would be the

100 metres. It is fantastic watching those guys, how explosive

they are. I will be watching it on the television.

The French are out there. The French were the losers to get the

Olympics in 2012, will they be the losers today? What to Wales have to

do today? Just finish as they did in the first half. Just played the

territory. Kick the ball back to the French, compete in the air, get

the line-outs and see what they can do from that. Thomas, we see all

these players and if you put those names down you would say, what a

fantastic team! How is this French team not be able to perform in the

manner we expect them to? And how they play for their clubs! They

play quality rugby. I don't understand why. Maybe something

will click for us today. Somewhere in Wales there is a man halfway

through writing Welsh grand-slam 2012 on a 1000 T-shirts. Don't do

it just yet! I don't think the Welsh can blow this. I don't want

to put the jinx on them, but they seemed so confident, so direct.

conservative? Yes, but played the right rugby. You have to learn how

to close down again and this is part of their learning process.

captain as Sam Warburton is not playing. Ryan Jones is playing in

the back row. I think France might look at this and think if we put a

bit of width on it and bring Thierry Dusautoir and the back line

into the game. Let's see if they do spread it a little bit. If they

don't change their tactics I can tackle. Good play from Jonathan

Davies. The new man, Ryan Jones. Clement Poitrenaud at the end of

Priestland drop goal, another one that does not get off the ground or

near the posts. He was isolated so he had not many options there.

Priestland will have struck the ball clean out. Meanwhile, Aurelian

Rougerie, France's centre, is having attention to his shoulder.

lovely break again by Cuthbert. He Advantage, France. That is the

danger of leading by only seven points. A breakaway by France and

the scores are level. Yes, very lovely kick and there is the

offside. Halfpenny plays the ball. Leigh Halfpenny touches the ball.

And Gethin Jenkins, he has gone. There is holding the ball on the

floor. He thinks, if I have made the effort to get back here, you're

not getting it! He reads the game very well. He puts himself in that

position. As Lionel Beauxis it lines up the kick, France are

a four. Game now. -- a four point game. They just seemed satisfied to

come up and take the point. A quick farewell to William Servat. That is

his last appearance for France. He retires from the international game.

Julien Bonnaire will also call it a day after this match. He is still

does not recognise the way they play. They seem happy to absorb

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everything and then when they have Fofana. France did well to get back

their with their -- their winner. It is George North who has been

penalised for not rolling away. was very difficult for George not

to rollaway. A great take for scored the only points of this

second half. France have some up. So negative. A great line-up,

they hit midfield, why doesn't it go through the phases again. They

look very, very dangerous. The negative attitude will get in the

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France. A good tackle. He has gone goes back into his 22. Cuthbert

arrives. Palisson did very well there. He has caught Alex Cuthbert.

He has caught in there. A cold me 30 seconds without a pass!

Breathe deeply. Cold sponge. Put turnover there was an opportunity,

in a game as tight as this, turnover there could have gone

right again. Wales lose the line- tackle. Alexis Palisson is in

trouble. France have stolen the ball. Phillips caught in possession

in this second half. Gethin Jenkins work is rewarded. A sensational run

by Dan Lydiate. Bodies strewn all over the field. Opportunities for

both sides. Dan Lydiate have had an Faletau. If it is not Faletau, it

is Warburton. A great tackle by Dusautoir. That is how to tackle.

Great technique, great technique. This would raise the roof if it was

closed. What a pair of sixes on the Palisson is going off in the

another 10 yards. That is the reaction. That is why he practises

so much. Francois Tran Duc has come on for France. -- Francois Trinh-

Wales. Scott Williams, his Scarlets team mate is on. He scored against

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looking dangerous now. Beauxis is passing ships. Not the usual are

banned under. With the advantage of the openside flanker, Warbleton

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being off, there is the knock-on -- line. Just one man committed to do

rock. The ball is so slow that the breakdown. Mike Phillips is getting

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swamped at the moment, so no show an go against the drift

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to go through the whole process and slow ball put Wales in trouble.

The they don't need to chase this game now. If the ball is slow, put

it in the corner! Put pressure on them in their own 22. If it is slow

got the ball. They get themselves the put in. And I think that was a

turnover ball. The ball was not on the floor and they took it in. What

a great kick by eight Lionel Beauxis. In nearly caught Wales

napping. We will have a break. you is the crossfield kick. Great

Jonathan Davies is back on an Scott Williams goes off. This is Julian

Bonnaire. He is off, too. Julian Bonnaire says goodbye to

and the crowd knows it. We have had a few in the first have when it

went early and it got better. You are now doing it again, so somebody

will go for repeated infringement. Can you take that message, please?

They know what is happening now. Next time it will be a penalty. It

is very interesting how the French defence. The winner drops back and

the fullback just goes on the end of the defensive line. There is an

opportunity in the middle of the field to put a chip kick in,

because both wingers are defending the 15 zone area, so the middle of

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another three points to give them a bit of breathing space. Territory

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Wales has be put in. Dan Lydiate is on fire. One at tackle! You could

hear the thump on the referee's enjoying every second of it! Bang!

replacements on the far side. Craig Joubert ushers them on. They have

given absolutely everything, haven't they? Luke Charteris comes

on, Lloyd Williams comes on. Ken Owens, hooker, comes on. 4G and

Alun Wyn Jones take their leave. A 5th of the what Welsh team takes

their leave in one go. -- Matthew Watch how tight the French defence

are. Free-kick again to Wales. They have had the advantage at the

scrummage. Craig Joubert has given them a load of free kicks.

Welsh boys haven't really tested Francois Trinh-Duc yet. I think

they should put one up and the air do well to disrupt the pick up from

the Welsh. That was a good opportunity for Wales. If the scrum

starts to creak, you should cancel the move. They should have put up

the cake right under the sticks to put them under pressure. They would

have had to clear the ball. So will, from the scrummage, which went

wrong for Wales, the French now have this line-out. They very good

kick from Lionel boxes, as well. Luke Charteris is very much on

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front. Wales get the penalty! Number 13, Jonathan Davies!

Philippe Saint-Andre is on his feet, not in celebration, it has to be

said. Jonathan Davies is on his feet, fighting for the ball. You

can see the French clearly holding on. Wales will have the throw-in.

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Jonathan Davies went off, back on. measured it, just over their head

of Francois Trinh-Duc. For the next 10 or 15 minutes, we have got to be

in the French half. They have slowed down our ball and it has

made it difficult for us to play. think that is it, to grind it out.

It is all about winning the game, forget about the fancy stuff. The

have got to use this quickly. Ryan Williams goes piling in. The

referee gives Wales a few seconds. Lloyd Williams is lost in the sea

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everybody has gone. Ken Owens did ever so well that. Dan Lydiate who

a ruck. 11, of your feet. George North penalised again. 10 minutes

his left foot to this. The penalty gives them a good field position.

He did not go for too much to get a run up. There is Luke

Charteris's ahead cat lying on the ground. Luckily his head was not in

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Picamoles? It would have been a brave tackle. A Leigh Halfpenny is

having treatment on the field. It looks like cramp for the fullback.

That is the face of Dan Lydiate. Work the yet to be done. He has

been immense. This does not look good for Leigh Halfpenny. He will

edged the second half. On comes Morgan Parra, not for the scrum-

half position but he goes in in place of Lionel Beauxis. Eight

minutes for Wales to hang on, eight minutes for France to get the

converted try. France with the will go for the posts. I think

Wales will be happy with that. Berry is not much left on the clock.

Six minutes, maybe, from the restart to hang on. What it does

mean, a converted try will win the game for France. They decided a

draw is not good enough for them, they have come to spoil the party.

Yachvili with a simple three points, four points separate the teams. Six

minutes and 50 odd seconds to go. Rhys Priestland has the ball on

Trinh-Duc covers for France. Cuthbert bullies him into touch. It

was offside. Penalty to Wales. think he threw the ball away.

you are right. That was a silly penalty. Only one option here,

of this second half. Slower ball but grindingly forceful at the

breakdown. Leigh Halfpenny on the break. He slips away, puts his head

lead back to 16 points to nine. Under five minutes. France trailed

it back on the Welsh side. It is in Dan Lydiate. He has been absolutely

magnificent. The referee, Craig Joubert, has pushed France back an

extra 10 metres. The minutes can now be eaten away, as long as Wales

secure position. They have got to keep position, go for midfield.

They have to put this game beyond on leaves it for Toby Faletau.

Priestland is in the pocket. Lloyd need a quick pass to Rhys

from there? Will still half France Gethin Jenkins, the acting Welsh

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captain. They are very slow. second towards their third Grand

Slam in seven years. France cumin, they are not offside. Penalty.

Penalty to Wales. It is all over! Added on time, Leigh Halfpenny will

kick for goal. Or Rhys Priestland will blast it into touch. Wales

have won the Grand Slam! They have beaten France by 16 points to 9. He

is a second for Warren Gatland. It showed a lot of composure, a lot of

opportunity just to close the game down. Did not have to be fancy. He

was a game where defensive were absolutely brilliant. They took the

opportunity. A magnificent finish. A fantastic game of rugby.

Thoroughly deserved. The Grand Slam goes to Wales! 5 out of five in the

Six Nations of 2012. And Wales shake hands wearily with France but

they -- there will still be length -- there will still be strength

left to raise the trophy, to raise their arms. It is those that wear

So, this script was written and it came to pass. Sitting as close to

Shane Williams has been nerve- racking for all of us. It was a

frustrating last 10 minutes for me, I can tell you. And very mature

performance by then today. It wasn't pretty.

There were many people at half-time he said that if they could give the

man of the Match award at half-time, it would have been you as well. How

do you feel? Over the moon, to be honest. It is awesome. You have a

couple of stitches to show for it as well. You had to dig in today.

You yes, we put our body on the line. You have to bid to win a

Grand Slam. Does it mean that little bit more but it is France

and what happened in New Zealand. It is the first chance for a lot of

us to win anything because we are such a young team. To win at home,

what could be better? The crowd had been magnificent. They had been are

extra man. Thank you very much for turning up. A very poignant day for

Welsh rugby following the loss of Mervyn Davies. This is a big moment

for Welsh rugby. He was a legend of the game. Our thoughts go to his

family. This is for him. Celebrations begin tonight? I think

we will have one word to tonight, and so will everyone else.

Lydiate, man of the match, congratulations.

In the middle of that interview use of the great Mervyn Davies -- sorry,

the great Gerald Davies. Sam Warburton, how does it feel?

don't feel like I deserve it, I have gone off injured three times!

It is an unbelievable achievement. It makes all the sacrifices

worthwhile. Was this the performance of the Six Nations for

you? Absolutely. You have got to give credit to the French, they

nullified our attack, were very quick off the line. But our guys

and that did to the way the French were playing and we won today,

which has all but pounds. Did you think with a few kicks hitting the

post, oh no, here we go again? is such a nerve-wracking thing to

do to kick in front of a crowd like this. Luckily we came through.

is the injury up to it for you? am going to go for a scan.

Hopefully it'll be OK. Well enough to lift the trophy? Absolutely!

Jonathan, this has been the first Grand Slam by design? The third

Grand Slam, that is amazing. This side is as successful as the 1970s

side. Three Grand Slam since 2005 is fantastic. I think the World Cup

was a turning point, mentally and physically, and they have just

built on it. They are a great bunch of lads. They enjoy each other's

company, they work hard, they have the self-belief. It is thoroughly

deserving that they take the Grand Slam. Now they go to Australia on

to her and they will want to take the scalp in the Southern

hemisphere. Warren Gatland looks pretty calm. He is a quiet soul. He

has kept his counsel pretty much in this Six Nations. He has been very

wise, very honest, West -- with the Welsh players. They have been

brutally honest with themselves. This is their reward. This is what

it is all about. Losing to France in the World Cup, but they have

beaten the same opponents and the Six Nations in 2012. I think they

have been great for the game of rugby, on and off the field. They

are great ambassadors for this small country. This is thoroughly

well deserved. Ireland away, at Titanic game at Twickenham with the

last minute drive. This is what it is all about. This is what it is

all about, to get up here and win a Grand Slam. Time for the

presentation, the RBS Six Nations Trophy of 2012 will be handled to

Wales. Please welcome their RBS Six Please welcome the chairman of the

Six Nations committee, the chief executive of the Six Nations

committee, President of the Welsh Rugby Union. 4G, his 50th cap today.

He is at the top of the queue. It will happen by squad numbers that

the Co-op. 4G! It is a great moment for 4G, after missing out on the

Mike Phillips! Rhys Priestland! George North! Jamie Roberts!

Jonathan Davies! Alex Cuthbert! Leigh Halfpenny! Can a ones. Luke

Charteris. Lloyd Williams. James Hook. Scott Williams. Now the three

captains that we have had in the competition. Ryan Jones. Gethin

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The Welsh captain will now come So, a very well deserved Grand Slam

for Wales because they are the best team in the championship. France

occasionally brilliant, and unbearably frustrating. We did get

back into the second half. We had the opportunity to maybe score a

try when Imanol Harinordoquy did not make that pass, but we played

with a fullback as a wing, and Number Ten as a number nine. We now

need to start with a blank piece of paper and to do things properly.

Gerry, what is your assessment of this Welsh team? Thoroughly

deserved. We have seen players that will compete for the Lions next

season. There is also another team behind this. For years they were

struggling to fill their positions and, but I think three injuries we

have seen people come through. Dan Lydiate has been my player of the

tournaments without a doubt. He has been compelling to watch. They are

a very, very talented side. To come into this tournament as one of the

favourites and steadily grow into the competition, unbelievable first

game against Ireland's, tight one against England and then came here

and did the job. They played an unpredictable French side and got

it done. They are all at seem, they worked together and socialise

together, a band of brothers. Who creates that and how important is

Warren Gatland in that? I think he is a big part of that. He is a

friendly guy, very approachable. He makes sure we have a beer together,

do a quiz, sing-songs, what ever. They are a very close bunch. A lot

of these guys are my best friends. Here are two more of the team.

Gethin Jenkins and Ryan Jones have joined an illustrious club, you

have joy -- you have won a Grand Slam for the third time. It is

amazing. It is something we will treasure. What a terrific second

half performance from you when Sam Warburton went off. It is not about

me, it is about the guys. The boys had been nothing short of superb.

They have worked incredibly hard and I take my hat off to everyone

who has even played the smallest role. Gethin Jenkins,

congratulations. It is a great cup -- group of players. Our defence

did out and we managed to grind out a winner. You had to begin today

against a very good French side. knew they would be good. They have

played well championship and it was up to us to perform on the day. The

occasion did not get to us as much as they might have hoped. The

atmosphere was unbelievable. appear to have a very special squad

of players. What is their belief like? The coach just want us to

play. It is a very close group. The World Cup brought us tighter and it

has spurred us on today to get our revenge. It is a great achievement

for us. Enjoy your night. There is one man who has left the

stadium, apart from that, everybody is still here! It is a great moment

for Wales. The it means so much to the country, not just people here

today. So many people have travelled to Cardiff to watch us on

the big screen or in the pubs. It means so much to the country. They

will enjoy their night. This will go on. It will never be forgotten.

Gerry, you have been talking about Dan Lydiate. Her performance

throughout the championship has been extraordinary, but a day he

was extraordinary. I tend to think that Dan Lydiate comes from the

same cloth as Lewis Moody. He puts his body on the line and manages to

stay on the field. His timing is perfect, his technique is very good.

My word, he puts in some hits. He definitely deserves man of the

match. That is what is defined by winning 100 %. 50 caps today for 4G

and another Grand Slam. We had a great win in Ireland. I worked so

hard to get back. INAUDIBLE. My 50th cap. There will be some

partying tonight. You have worked so hard to get fits. Did you think

you weren't going to be involved? was so frustrated with my injury,

but for me personally it was about getting myself back fit and I am

just glad to be part of the successful team. These guys have

been working hard and am sure there will be more success in the future.

A special mention for the coaches? Warren Gatland, since he has been

here, he said it would take a couple of years to get us where he

wanted us to be, but it is still a young side. Looking forward to the

World Cup in 2015! Congratulations, Matthew.

There is Warren Gatland. He is the glue that binds these players

together. Ryan Jones, people thought he was going to be the

Lions' captain once upon a time, but he has come back as a man of

real force. He has got the experience and knows how to come

down again. -- calm down. When he has come on as substitute this

season, he has been very, very impressive. Alex Cuthbert won this

game, effectively and he is now with Jason. I can tell you what it

is like down here. It is berserk. It is a grand slam, how does that

sound? Pretty special feeling. It was one of those games were you

have to dig deep. It wasn't pretty. It was kick and chase, be dogged in

defence. We knew it was going to be emotional with the passing of

Mervyn Davies through the week. There was a lot of the motion for

the boys. Alex Cuthbert, I am becoming used to best fun

interviewing you after scoring a try. For a try won the Grand Slam

for Wales. Well, it wasn't just might try, it was the work of the

boys throughout the game. I don't think I'll ever have this feeling

again. It's not a bad first season, is it? You are a very tight-knit

bunch, aren't you? Yes, very tight knit. We want to build on this

grand slam and that to this summer. When Rhys Priestland and Leigh

Halfpenny hit the posts, did you think, oh my goodness? They weren't

far off, were they? I knew we were going to win it. What about the

crowd today? Just a great atmosphere. It should be a good

night. Well done. The night is young for them and

everybody else in Cardiff. We're heading off to Twickenham very

shortly. What will be you're memory of this Six Nations? George North,

the subtlety of his offload to Jonathan Davies, that was a grim

moment. Thomas? I think Wales have a great leader in Sam Warburton,

his tackle against Manny Tuilangi. David Strettle scoring, were not

scoring in Twickenham? That typified the Welsh performance in

this championship. Wales have to kick on from this, don't they?

Absolutely. The summer tour will be a big test. Australia are a great

side. We need to compete against the top three teams in the world.

We are getting there and it will come a point when we will lose a