Re: [6Nations] Wales 32-20 Ireland
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/international/4365605.stm
England win was vital - Williams
By Matt Majendie
BBC Sport at the Millennium Stadium
Martyn Williams says Wales realised they could win their first Grand Slam
for 27 years after upsetting England.
"The England game was the massive one for us, and beating them gave us the
belief we could go all the way," said the Cardiff Blues flanker.
"Mentally it made us realise finally we could beat any side, and told us to
back what we were doing fully."
Gavin Henson's 76th-minute penalty gave Wales an 11-9 victory over the world
champions at Cardiff on 5 February.
It was a big win, but the Welsh proved it was not a one-off by going on to
defeat Italy, France, Scotland and finally Ireland.
"Right from the outset, I never believed anyone would win the Grand Slam this
season, let alone us," said Williams.
Wales rarely looked in danger of losing their Grand Slam decider against
Ireland on Saturday, which they eventually won 32-20.
But their hopes of a Six Nations clean sweep looked in danger when they
trailed France 15-6 in the third round of matches.
"There were definitely times when it looked like our Grand Slam hopes had
come off the rails, but we trusted our instincts and stuck to our goals,"
said Williams.
"Admittedly we were far too nervous in the first 20 to 30 minutes against
Ireland until Gethin [Jenkins] charged in for that first try.
"After that I felt pretty confident in what we were doing."
Wales' success comes just two years after they finished rock bottom of the
Six Nations.
But Williams added: "We knew at the time we weren't worrying about the
short-term goals, and today has made us realise we were right to aim for
our longer-term ambitions."
England took six years to win their first Grand Slam under Sir Clive Woodward.
Wales, on the other hand, succeeded at their first attempt under coach Mike
Ruddock.
"I honestly thought it would take us much longer to achieve the Grand Slam,"
said Williams. "The enormity of it hasn't sunk it yet - I'm not sure if it
ever will."
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