Sidoli keeps his feet on the ground

Robert Sidoli insisted Wales will not get carried away despite being only one victory away from a Grand Slam because they remember all too well the acute pain of failure.

Two years ago, Wales were condemned to the wooden spoon as they lost all five of their RBS 6 Nations matches. It was a new low for Welsh rugby.

In the midst of that run, Ireland snatched victory in Cardiff with a giant drop-goal from Ronan O’Gara right at the death.

And though Wales now are on the cusp of a high not experienced in the Principality for 27 years, there will be no premature celebrations amongst the players. The memories of Ireland’s victory in 2003 are still painful.

“We played them at home. They pinched it with the last kick of the game. Stephen Jones kicked a late drop goal and we had worked really hard and then Ronan O’Gara, in the last minute, kicked one from nearly half-way,” Sidoli recalled.

“You have to go through things like that. Last year laid the foundations for the team and you can’t underestimate how important that is. It is why all the boys’ feet are on the ground.

“We enjoyed getting the result in Scotland but today we have to start preparing really well because Ireland will be a big test.

“The consequence of victory over Ireland is the Grand Slam. That is fantastic and of course we know about it, but we are just focusing on Ireland.”

Wales’ emergence from those difficult times were kick-started against New Zealand in the World Cup when they just threw caution to the wind in a match with little riding on it.

Now, they actively look to encourage teams to kick at them so they can counter-attack, often with stunning effectiveness.

Yesterday, Wales scored six tries to lead 43-3 after 49 minutes before Scotland could get a foothold in the game.

Dwayne Peel, the man of the match at Murrayfield, said: “You can see we really enjoy ourselves out there. The team have gone through a lot of bad times and we are coming out the other end now and playing some great rugby.

“It’s great when you are playing well and when you get the plaudits you can all rejoice in it together.”