Scene set for 6 Nations decider

Glorious sunshine greeted Wales’ Grand Slam bid at the Millennium Stadium with the pre-match entertainment setting the scene for what promised to be a spectacular occasion.

Voice of an Angel star Charlotte Church, girlfriend of Wales centre Gavin Henson, added a touch of glamour to the afternoon by joining opera queen Katherine Jenkins in singing the Welsh national anthem.

And entertainer Max Boyce performed a new version of his rugby anthem Hymns and Arias before kick-off.

Wales played some thrilling rugby on the path to today’s crunch showdown, emerging as the RBS 6 Nations’ standout team, but with a first Grand Slam for 27 years beckoning all the pressure was on their shoulders.

Ireland had not lost in Cardiff since 1983 and possessed title aspirations of their own while a second successive Triple Crown was also available to the pre-tournament favourites.

France’s 56-13 victory in Rome meant the Irish had to beat Wales by 14 points to claim their first championship crown since 1985 – a monumental challenge that looked beyond Eddie O’Sullivan’s men.

They enjoyed a slight advantage up front where their pack’s greater experience could prove key but with Gordon D’Arcy and Shane Horgan injured, Wales held all the aces in the backs.

Once again Ireland skipper Brian O’Driscoll had to shoulder his side’s creative burden while Wales’ three-quarter line bristled with match winners such as Henson, Shane Williams and Stephen Jones.

Both coaches named unchanged starting line-ups but Wales boss Mike Ruddock was forced to make two late alterations to his bench.

Mike Phillips replaced Gareth Cooper who had failed a fitness test on his ankle injury and Hal Luscombe was withdrawn shortly before-kick off with a hamstring problem, giving Mark Taylor a spot among the substitutes.