No team has won more Grand Slam titles in the Six Nations era than Wales – and they have also treated us to some of the finest tries in the process.
Whether it be last-minute stunners or length-of-the-field runners, Wales have always known how to put on a show in Rugby’s Greatest Championship.
Here are some of their most memorable efforts from the last two decades…
Rob Howley v France – 2001
Scott Quinnell’s rampaging carry off the scrum and deft offload to Howley got things going but it was the electric pace of the scrum-half which stole the show here.
A great individual try which saw Rob Howley run almost the length of the pitch to score.
It was an important intervention for Wales, who were sparked to life by the superb break after an less than encouraging start in Paris. They went on to beat France in a thrilling 43-35 tussle.
Martyn Williams v France – 2005
This try had everything!
As the second half began, with Wales trailing 15-6, turnover ball provided fly-half Stephen Jones an opportunity to stretch his legs as he mounted a 60-metre carry up the field to put his side on the front foot.
It was then the turn of the Williams trio to connect with the knock-out blow. First, Rhys Williams’ flowing pass and then the terrific combination work between Martyn Williams and Shane Williams to break past France’s defence and touch down.
With the Stade de France stunned, Wales capitalised and scored another minutes later before winning 24-18 in Paris. Unforgettable stuff.
Kevin Morgan v Ireland – 2005
Perhaps best described by Eddie Butler’s commentary: “To put the seal on the win, to put the cream on the Grand Slam cake.”
With a first Grand Slam title in 27 years on the line, Wales welcomed Ireland to the then Millennium Stadium having failed to beat them since 2000.
However, Kevin Morgan’s second-half try helped Wales clinch that illustrious trophy, with the full-back on the receiving end of Tom Shanklin’s pass after the centre’s electric line-break.
Mike Phillips v England – 2008
One of the most famous battles between Wales and England might be best remembered for Mike Phillips’ match-winning try at the death.
With the scores tied at 19-19, Phillips charged down Iain Balshaw’s clearing kick with Gethin Jenkins claiming the loose ball. He then distributed it out wide to the scrum-half to finish in the corner.
It was Wales’ first victory over England at Twickenham Stadium for two decades, as well as Warren Gatland’s first game in charge. Quite the way to make your mark.
Shane Williams v Ireland – 2008
When Wales needed someone to step up to the plate, more often than not Shane Williams was the man to do so.
‘Sizzling’ Shane’s 40th try for Wales was yet another match-winning score for the winger.
Despite having Tom Shanklin outside of him, Williams put on the afterburners and powered through the narrowest of spaces, evading three Irish defenders to dive over in the corner.
It pulled him alongside Gareth Thomas as Wales’ top try-scorer at the time – and was also his first against Ireland.
Shane Williams v Scotland – 2010
Maybe the greatest rugby comeback of all time? Another appearance from Shane on the list as Wales capped off a remarkable victory.
It might be the loudest the Principality Stadium has ever been. Trailing Scotland by ten points with four minutes to go, Wales produced the most stunning turnaround. First, Leigh Halfpenny’s try reduced the margin to three, then Stephen Jones’ 79th-minute penalty tied the game.
With the clock in red, the ball fell to Shane Williams in space who finished under the posts as the loudest of roars erupted around the stadium.
It’s five minutes that no Welsh supporter will ever, ever forget.
Alex Cuthbert v England – 2013
England arrived in Cardiff for the 2013 Championship finale knowing that victory would seal their first Grand Slam title in a decade. However, Wales could spoil the party and win the title themselves if they snatched the win.
Wales put England to the sword, winning 30-3 with Alex Cuthbert’s second try proving fit for the occasion.
Sam Warburton’s galloping run, Justin Tipuric’s final offload and Cuthbert’s finish in the corner put the result beyond doubt.
It was Wales’ biggest ever win over England.
Josh Adams v England – 2019
Josh Adams’ first try against England was a memorable one.
Dan Biggar’s inch-perfect crossfield kick pitted Adams in the air against Elliot Daly, but with the England man looking in control, the Welsh flyer’s leap was esquitly timed.
Adams displayed superb control to regain possession at the second attempt and dot the ball down.
Wales won the game 21-13 and went on to claim yet another Grand Slam title.
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Source: 6 Nations