‘Excited’ Gatland eyes another Grand Slam

Warren Gatland was left contemplating the prospect of another Grand Slam after seeing his side edge England in a thrilling Six Nations Championship clash at Twickenham on Saturday.

Wales won 19-12 to complete the Triple Crown and that left them looking forward to rounding off the tournament at home to Italy and France.

This was just Wales’s second win at Twickenham since 1988. The other success came four years ago when, in Gatland’s first game in charge, they triumphed 26-19 to spark a Grand Slam season.

And with Italy struggling and Wales desperate to avenge their heartbreaking World Cup semi-final loss to France, Gatland said another clean sweep was on the horizon.

“This is a young group with a little bit of experience who potentially could be outstanding,” said Gatland.

“We have a bit of depth throughout the side and it is a team to get excited about,” the New Zealander added.

“If we get a good win against Italy we can prepare with confidence for the game against France.”

Saturday’s clash was the first time World Cup semi-finalists Wales had secured a Triple Crown at the home of old rivals England but the match of the tournament thus far was a desperately close affair.

Heading into the final 10 minutes, the teams were locked at 12-12 after four penalties apiece from England’s Owen Farrell and Wales’s Leigh Halfpenny.

But Wales, with five minutes left, scored the only try of the match when replacement back Scott Williams stripped the ball from substitute England lock Courtney Lawes and, from nearly halfway, kicked ahead before chasing down and re-gathering, with Halfpenny then adding a conversion.

Played yesterday: Scotland vs France 17-23.

Standings: Wales (3-0-0) 6; France (2-0-0) 4; England (2-0-1) 4; Ireland (1-0-1) 2; Scotland (0-0-3) 0; Italy (0-0-3) 0.