Wales close on European rugby's ultimate prize

Wales can complete a remarkable turnaround today by ending a Six Nations tournament they have galvanised with victory over Ireland and their first grand slam in 27 years.

Before this season, Wales had won just eight of 25 matches since the Five Nations became Six. Two years ago they finished winless and last.

Today, they will walk out in front of a Millennium Stadium crowd of 74,500 to play for the ultimate prize in European rugby, one which only eight Wales teams have won in the 122 years of the championship.

Should Wales fail, France still have a chance of retaining their title if they rack up enough points against winless Italy in Rome. World champions England then host Scotland in the final match of the championship with little more than pride at stake.

The Welsh side are inured to unflattering comparisons with the great Scarlet-shirted heroes of the past and started this year's Six Nations as rank outsiders.

On February 5, two years of promising performances without any notable scalps came to an end with one huge swing of Gavin Henson's silver boot when the centre's late penalty secured an 11-9 win over England.

A 38-8 humbling of Italy followed before an astonishing 24-18 comeback win over France in Paris proved this Wales team not only played superb attacking rugby, they also had character.

Then came Murrayfield and the first half performance of pace and brio that set up a 46-22 victory over the Scots and today's tilt at a ninth Welsh grand slam, a first triple crown since 1988 and a first Six Nations title in 11 years.

Confident Welsh fans would do well to remember that Ireland have not lost to Wales in Cardiff since 1983.

The Irish were many people's title favourites before the tournament started and although their grand slam hopes died in defeat to France last weekend, they can still win a second successive triple crown and the championship.

To take the title for the first time in 20 years, the Irish need to win by 13 points and hope the French fail to run up a huge score against Italy in Rome.

Unless they can beat France for the first time in the championship, Italy face the prospect of a winless season and a heavy defeat may mark the end of John Kirwan's reign as coach.

Another coach in trouble is Matt Williams, whose Scotland side travel south for the Calcutta Cup match in search of their first win over England at Twickenham in 22 years.