“I’M KNACKERED more than anything else,” was the instant reaction from Ryan Jones, the Wales captain, when the whistle went to signal the start of the Grand Slam celebrations in Cardiff last night. “It was definitely the toughest Test match I have been involved in. We pushed ourselves to the limit for 80 minutes and moments like this are difficult to put into words. Money couldn’t buy an experience like this. They don’t come around that often in a player’s career, so we are going to enjoy it.”

The Ospreys No 8 was quick to pay tribute to his team’s miserly defence, which set a new Six Nations record in only conceding two tries in five championship matches. “We defended superbly, and that’s what won us the championship.”

Shane Williams wrote his name into the Welsh history books when the wing wizard crossed for his 41st Test try, overtaking the previous milestone set by former skipper Gareth Thomas. “I found it difficult getting involved in the game, it was so tight, and the try was one in a million,” said Williams, who revealed how defence coach Shaun Edwards had turned the Wales try line into a no-go zone. “It’s probably down to the fact that everyone is scared senseless of Shaun!”

Edwards and head coach Warren Gatland insisted all the plaudits should go to the players. “We said that offence sells tickets and defence wins championships, and our defence has surpassed anything I expected or dreamed of,” said Englishman Edwards. “People talk about my contribution in terms of defence, but I haven’t made one tackle. The players have and they deserve the slaps on the back. We have improved every game, and I could not be more proud of them. Winning the Grand Slam is beyond my wildest dreams.”

New Zealander Gatland reflected on a job well done. “At the end of the day, it is all about the players,” he said. “They are the ones who have a job to do for 80 minutes. A lot of those players have had it pretty tough for the past six or 12 months. When they get the reward, they deserve the recognition.”