Retribution was finally achieved, and glory ultimately attained, as Wales beat France 16-9 in Cardiff to clinch not only the 6 Nations title, but the Grand-Slam. France pushed Wales all the way, but in the end, the right team won, and shows the culmination of effort and skill that took a team from 4th in last years tournament, to the top team in the Northern Hemisphere this year. I will defer from my normal review system for this final game, as it is the final game for a while. Instead, I am going to sum up my personal highlights of the tournament, and firstly of the game today.
Highlights vs France:
Dan Lydiate was the deserved man of the match. Normally the unsung hero, he deserved all the accolades today. He was constantly chopping at the French ankles, and only missed one tackle during the whole game. He stepped up to the plate when Warburton went off, and dominated at the breakdown. Has to be a certain pick for the Lions tour next year.
How on earth does Rhys Priestland kick that far out of hand? His leg swings barely an inch and yet the ball travels miles! He was deadly accurate as well, and though his dead ball striking might not be up there with best, from hand he is one of the best.
Wales' defence was again solid. Scrambling is their speciality, and they are quick to snuff out any opportunities that the opposition may get. They are quick to organise, quick to rush, and deadly accurate in bringing the man down.
Tournament Highlights:
Warburton's tackle on Manu Tuilagi vs England. This tackle almost certainly saved the Grand-Slam from Wales. To everyone in the stadium, Tuilagi was through, but Warburton somehow clung on to his ankles, and brought the big man down with metres to spare. When fit, Warburton led by example. Lets hope his latest shoulder injury isn't too serious, and that he is back playing soon.
Scott Williams' try vs England. A great solo effort from the replacement centre, to rectify an earlier missed chance. Stealing the ball expertly off Courteney Lawes, he punted the ball on and had too much pace for the chasing defenders to get anywhere near him. A great moment of inspiration from the young lad, and it broke the monotony that had existed in that game beforehand.
Leigh Halfpenny's last minute kick vs Ireland. Halfpenny snatched a victory from the jaws of defeat against Ireland when he converted a penalty with seconds to spare. After an iffy kicking display previously from Priestland, Halfpenny steadied himself and slotted it over the posts to give Wales the win. Great composure to put his miss against France in the World Cup to bed.
So that's it for this years 6 Nations, and Wales will carry a lot of confidence towards the end of the year. We must build though, and have 2015 as another goal to attain. However, Wales have proved a lot of doubters wrong with this victory, and they will stand to serve as a warning to any team coming to play us in the future. Roll on to the rest of the year.
Final Score: Wales 16 - Tries: Cuthbert. Convs: Halfpenny. Pens: Halfpenny (2).
France 9 - Pens: Yachvili (2), Beauxis.
Dewch ar Cymru!
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