The Seventies Fact File
Played 46 Won 32 Drawn 3 Lost 11
72.8% success rate – second highest of any decade
Grand Slams – 1971, 1976, 1978
Triple Crowns – 1971, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
Outright championship wins - 1971, 1975, 1976, 1978,1979
Drew with South Africa in 1970
Beat Australia in 1973 and 1975
Most appearances in decade – JPR Williams (London Welsh/Bridgend) 44
Most tries in decade – Gareth Edwards and Gerald Davies (both Cardiff) 17
Most points in decade – Phil Bennett (Llanelli) 166
Most appearances as captain – Gareth Edwards (Cardiff) 10
Most wins by a player in the decade – JPR Williams (London Welsh/Bridgend) 32
SEVENTIES NOMINEES
Back Nominees – Phil Bennett, Gerald Davies, Gareth Edwards, Barry John, JPR Williams.
Forward Nominees – Mervyn Davies, Derek Quinnell, John Taylor, Geoff Wheel, Bobby Windsor.
BACKS
PHIL BENNETT
Scored a record 166 points for his country during the glory days of the seventies and also captained the Lions in New Zealand in 1977. Took over from Barry John and made it a pretty seamless transition. Another of the game's great sidesteppers, he could turn defence into attack in the blink of any eye. Captain of the 1978 Grand Slam side, he played a huge part in that success with two tries and a conversion in the final victory over France.
GERALD DAVIES
Has there ever been a sweeter sight on a rugby field than Gerald Davies in full flow? This flying winger turned the sidestep into an art form – and plundered a record equalling 20 Test tries for his country and more for the Lions in South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971.
GARETH EDWARDS
Simply the best! Consistently voted the greatest rugby player of all-time, he was capped as a teenager and became the youngest ever captain of his country at 20 years and eight months. Played 53 consecutive games for Wales, made three Lions tours and was the scrum half on who everyone has modelled themselves since his time. Three Grand Slams and four Triple Crowns says it all.
BARRY JOHN
They called him 'The King' in New Zealand in 1971 when he steered the Lions to victory. Silky smooth skills and an air of arrogance than bordered on brilliance made him the first real rugby union superstar. A Grand Slammer in 1971, he quit at the peak of his powers and will forever be in the running to wear the No 10 jersey in the world's greatest team of all-time.
JPR WILLIAMS
Turned from a teenage sensation for Wales into the world's greatest full back. Won three Grand Slams with his country and two Lions series with the British tourists. Revolutionised the position he adorned in a then record 54 games for Wales. Won more games in a Welsh shirt than any other player (37) and picked up three Grand Slams and six Triple Crowns. Another one of world rugby's all-time Hall of Famers.
FORWARDS
MERVYN DAVIES
A world leader in his position, his career was cruelly cut short through injury when he was in his prime. Captain of the 1976 Grand Slam side, he won two Slams and three Triple Crowns in a career that saw him captain his country to eight wins in nine matches. Played eight successive Tests for the Lions on their victorious tours to New Zealand and South Africa.
DEREK QUINNELL
The first of the Llanelli dynasty to play for Wales. Sons Scott and Craig followed in his illustrious footsteps, with youngster Gavin not far behind. A Lion before he won his first Welsh cap, he played No 8 and flanker for Wales in 23 games and was ever-present in the 1978 Grand Slam side. One of the greatest ball carrying forwards of his generation in the northern hemisphere he went on to become a selector and coach with the national side.
JOHN TAYLOR
Will forever be remembered for his match winning, touchline conversion against Scotland at Murrayfield in 1971 – and the big hair do that earned him the nickname of Basil Brush. A Lion in 1968 and 1971, he was a flanker who roamed the field in support of his team mates and provided a vital link between forwards and backs. Hugely influential in the 1971 Grand Slam campaign, he formed with Dai Morris and London Welsh clubmate Mervyn Davies arguably the greatest Welsh back row of all-time.
GEOFF WHEEL
Geoff 'The Ripper' was at the heart of the Welsh packs that won the Grand Slams in 1976 and 1978 and ended with a record of 16 wins and a draw from 18 Five Nations Championship matches. A fearsome mauler – hence the nickname – he was a converted footballer who became a legendary second row. Formed a famed second row partnership with Allan Martin.
BOBBY WINDSOR
The original member of the world renowned Pontypool Front Row. Was a Grand Slammer in 1976 and 1978 and a fabled Lion in South Africa in 1974. He also toured New Zealand with the 1977 Lions. Hard as nails and highly mobile, his wit and personality made him a stand-out character in some of the greatest Wales and Lions packs of all-time.
FAMOUS TRIES FROM THE SEVENTIES
GERALD WINGS IN FOR LATE SUCCESS – Scotland v Wales, Murrayfield, 1971
There were two minutes to go and the 1971 Grand Slam quest seemed to be coming off the rails at Murrayfield. Skipper John Dawes told everyone to calm down and Delme Thomas won a crucial line-out in the Scottish 22. The ball went down the line and JPR Williams made space for Gerald Davies to squeeze over and cut the gap to a single point. Up stepped John Taylor, over went the touchline conversion and Wales marched on to the Slam.
GARETH IS THE MUDDIED MONSTER – Wales v Scotland, Arms Park, 1972
Of all the 20 tries Gareth Edwards scored for Wales, this is considered his greatest. He had already scored one in the 35-12 rout of the Scots, but his second was special. He probed around the narrow side of a scrum inside his 22, fended off one flanker, sped past another and then kicked ahead before winning the chase for a try which covered 75 metres – ending up face down in the red mud.
PRICEY CROWNS HIS DEBUT – France v Wales, Parc des Princes, 1975
The day the Pontypool front row packed down together for the first time for Wales it was the youngster, Graham Price, who stole the show. One of five new caps in Paris, he crowned a five star display by Wales by following up JJ Williams' hack through from the Wales 22 to flop over in the corner after a 75 metre chase.
JJ WINGS IN FOR THE TRIPLE TRIPLE CROWN – Ireland v Wales, Dublin, 1978
It had never been done before and it didn't look like happening with the scores tied at 13-13. Then Bobby Windsor rolled away from a maul, fed Gareth Edwards and Steve Fenwick gave JJ Williams the chance to race to the corner for the try that made history.
BENNY BEATS THE PAIN BARRIER AND THE FRENCH – Wales v France, Arms Park, 1978
Phil Bennett had pulled out of the first Grand Slam showdown. Whoever won would take the title and Wales looked like being without their inspirational skipper. But, having withdrawn on the Wednesday with a foot problem, Bennett played and scored two tries. His second secured the third Grand Slam of the seventies as he took an inside pass from JJ Williams to cross in the right corner.
ELGAN ROUNDS OFF THE GOLDEN ERA IN STYLE – Wales v England, Arms Park, 1979
The fifth Triple Crown of the seventies was already in the bag, but the Cardiff crowd were still baying for English blood. Four tries had already been run in, but the best was saved for last. Clive Griffiths, a second half replacement for JPR Williams at full back, broke out of his 22 and kicked ahead for Elgan Rees to score a fifth try and complete the rout that end the second Golden Era.
SEVENTIES PERFORMANCES
BACK FROM THE DEAD
Scotland 18, Wales 19 – Murrayfield, 6 February, 1971
It looked as though the game as up, and the Grand Slam quest was over, with the home side leading 18-14 with two minutes to go. The lead changed hands six times in all with Gerald Davies' last gasp effort, and John Taylor's touchline conversion, sealing a one point victory.
THE SLAM AT LAST
France 5, Wales 9 – Stade Colombes, 27 March, 1971
Wales hadn't won in Paris for 14 years and hadn't won the Grand Slam for 19 years. Wales had stuck to virtually the same side throughout the championship – they used 16 players in four games - and were forced to come back from 5-0 down to win.
THE IRISH ARE PUT TO THE SWORD
Ireland 9, Wales 34 – Lansdowne Road, 21 February, 1976
The Triple Crown was secured in sparkling style as Mervyn Davies' side ran in four tries and scored 18 points in a thrilling five minute burst. Quite a turn around when you consider they were only one point to the good at half-time. It was a record win in Dublin and a record high against the Irish.
GRAND SLAM TIME AGAIN
Wales 19, France 13 – Arms Park, 6 March, 1976
After the big win in Dublin, only the French stood between Mervyn Davies' side and a second Grand Slam of the decade. The skipper got a kick in the calf and almost had to leave the filed. He somehow managed to stay the course and it was a brilliant shoulder charge by JPR Williams on Jean-Francois Gourdon that saved the game in the end.
THE FRENCH ARE SLAMMED
Wales 16, France 7 – Arms Park, 18 March, 1978
For the first time two teams came into the last round of matches both capable of winning the Grand Slam. It was tense, it was tough and, in the end, it was thrilling stuff. Phill Bennett played a captain's role with two tries and a conversion and Gareth Edwards singed off his remarkable career in style.
GREATEST EVER WELSH RUGBY PLAYERS
THE EIGHTIES FACT FILE
Wales – Played 60, Won 30, Drew 1, Lost 29
50.8% success rate
Tries 87-80
1 Triple Crown - 1988
1 Shared Championship in 1988
3rd place in 1987 Rugby World Cup
Beat Australia in 1981 (18-13) and 1987 (22-21)
Most appearances in decade – Rob Norster (Cardiff) 34
Most tries in decade – Adrian Hadley (Cardiff) 9
Most points in decade – Paul Thorburn (Neath) 208
Most appearances as captain – David Pickering (Llanelli) 8
Most wins by a player in the decade – Rob Norster (Cardiff) 20
EIGHTIES NOMINEES
Back Nominees – Bleddyn Bowen, Jonathan Davies, Adrian Hadley, Terry Holmes, Rob Jones
Forward Nominees – Richard Moriarty, Rob Norster, Graham Price, Jeff Squire,
Clive Williams.
Backs
Bleddyn Bowen
Equally at home at outside half or centre, his passing skills in the midfield were a joy to behold. Led Wales to the Triple Crown in 1988 and is the last Welshman to skipper a winning side at Twickenham. Won four of his five games as captain and scored 37 points in 23 games.
Jonathan Davies
Another epic creation of the Welsh outside half factory. An attacking genius who spearheaded Wales' surge to third place in the inaugural World Cup and the 1988 Triple Crown. Holds the record for the most drop goals by a Welsh player with 13 in 32 Tests. Became a world class rugby league players after leaving Wales with 32 caps.
Adrian Hadley
A try scoring machine for Cardiff, he scored more touchdowns in the eighties for Wales than anyone else with nine. Two of those came in the vital win at Twickenham – a ground where he scored the only try in the Welsh win of 1984. Another player who turned to rugby league and became a northern success story.
Terry Holmes
Tough as teak Terry became the world's best scrum half in the eighties and a serious contender to Gareth Edwards as one of the best of all time. The strongest No 9 to play for Wales, he was deadly from close range and tackled like a demon. Injuries plagued his Lions career, prematurely ending his two tours, and he finished his career with Bradford Northern.
Rob Jones
Stepped into Terry Holmes' shoes and brought a different approach to the No 9 duties with his swift pass and astute kicking game. Was a huge influence with the victorious Lions in Australia in 1989 and was a key figure in the Welsh World Cup campaign in 1987 and the 1988 Triple Crown.
Forwards
Richard Moriarty
An uncompromising character who turned into a strong leader of his country. Captained Wales to third place at the inaugural World Cup and picked up six wins from seven games in charge. Notched a try against Australia on his debut and won 22 caps in all.
Rob Norster
One of the game's great line-out masters who became the mainstay of the Welsh pack throughout the eighties. Played more games than anyone else in the decade and notched more victories. Was a Lion in New Zealand in 1983 and again in Australia in 1989. Key figure in the 1988 Triple Crown success. Went on to manage Wales in the nineties.
Graham Price
One of the world's most feared and renowned tight head props. Was first choice for Wales throughout the majority of his 41 cap career and played in 12 successive Tests for the Lions on three tours. Part of the infamous Pontypool front row, he picked up Grand Slams in 1976 and 1978.
Jeff Squire
A powerhouse back row man who was equally at home at No 8 and at flanker. Great ball carrier, he also made a considerable impact with the Lions on three successive tours. Won a Grand Slam in 1978 and 29 caps in all for Wales.
Clive Williams
One of the best prop technicians in the world game in the early eighties, he was a real hit with the Lions in South Africa in 1980. Only won eight caps in all, but was recognised as one of the best loose heads in the world at his peak
EIGHTIES PERFORMANCES
GWYN KICKS HIMSELF INTO RECORD BOOKS
Wales 22, France 12 – Arms Park, 6 February, 1982
Having lost badly in Ireland two weeks earlier, Wales hit back to beat the French. Maesteg full back Gwyn Evans was the hero as he equaled the world record of six penalties in a match – the first time it had been done in the Five Nations Championship. It was the only game Wales won and they didn't beat France again for another 12 years.
RINGO BAGS WORLD CUP FIRST
Wales 13, Ireland 6 – RWC, Wellington, 25 May, 1987
Wales had lost three of their four championship games and had gone down 15-11 only a month earlier to an Irish side boasting 13 of the team that turned up for their RWC debut. Mark Ring's try, and two drop goals from Jonathan Davies, made it a winning start to the World Cup for Wales.
THORBURN KICKS WALES TO 3RD PLACE AT RWC
Wales 22, Australia 21 – RWC, 3rd Place Play-off, Rotorua, 18 June, 1987
Having been hammered by the All Blacks in the semi-finals, Wales hit back against co-hosts Australia to finish third in the tournament. An injury time try by Adrian Hadley gave Paul Thorburn the chance to kick for glory off the touchline, He hit the mark.
HADLEY WINGS IN FOR A PAIR
England 3, Wales 11 – Twickenham, 6 February, 1988
Wales were seeking to build on their promising World Cup and went looking for a good start to their championship at Twickenham. Two tries from Adrian Hadley sealed the last Welsh win at HQ and set the side on the road to the Triple Crown.
THORBIE DOES IT AGAIN
Ireland 9, Wales 12 – Lansdowne Road, 5 March, 1988
Wales looked down and out until late in the game and the Triple Crown seemed lost. But a Paul Moriarty try and a late penalty from the ever reliable Paul Thorburn clinched a first Triple Crown in nine years.
EIGHTIES TRIES
ELGAN ROUNDS OFF REES CHARGE – Scotland v Wales, Murrayfield, 1983
Wales responded to some stinging criticism, and avoided an eighth successive away defeat, by conjuring up a brillliant try. Malcolm Dacey started it, Clive Rees carried on and then Mark Wyatt joined in. Elgan Rees eventually bagged the try after a mesmerising move that had covered almost 75 metres.
WEBBE STILL FINDS HIS WAY – Wales v Tonga, Palmerston North, 1987
The Tongans had done their best to daze Bridgend wing Glenn Webbe with some head high tackles, but he hit back with a hat-trick of tries in this World Cup clash. His third came from deep in his own half as he out ran the opposing defence despite suffering concussion.
HADLEY IS A WORLD CUP WONDER – Wales v Australia, Rotorua, 1987
Australia had been down to 14 men from the fourth minute and were leading 21-16 in the fourth minute of injury time. Third place in the inaugural World Cup seemed lost until Wales moved the ball left once again and Adrian Hadley squeezed over in the corner. Up stepped Paul Thorburn to kick the winning points.
THE HADLEY ONE-TWO DOES IT – England v Wales, Twickenham, 1988
Take your pick – both Adrian Hadley tries were gems, the best probably being his link with Cardiff club mate Mark Ring. They spearheaded the push for the Triple Crown and carved out Wales' last win over England at Twickenham.
JONATHAN SAVES SOME FACE – New Zealand v Wales, Auckland, 1988
The world champion All Blacks ran in 18 tries in two Tests, but had to concede the best of the lot in the series to Jonathan Davies. Mark Ring launched an audacious move from deep in his own 22, Jonathan Mason joined in and Jonathan Davies was sent racing 65 metres to the line – the only high spot in an otherwise miserable tour for the European champions.
