Wales Rugby 1976 Polo Grand Slam

Wales won their 7th title. With a Grand Slam. And the Triple Crown. According to many rugby experts, the Wales team of 1976 was one of the best to wear the red jersey. As well as a sparking backline. Of JPR at full-back, JJ Williams and Gerald Davies on the wings. With Steve Fenwick and Ray Gravell at centre. And half-backs Phil Bennett and Gareth Edwards

They also fielded a formidable pack of Forwards. This included the Pontypool front row of Charlie Faulkner, Bobby Windsor and Graham Price. At Lock, Geoff Wheel and Allan Martin. Skipper Mervyn Davies at number eight. Flanked by Trevor Evans and Terry Cobner.The tournament started with a 21-9 win over England at Twickenham. This included two tries from JPR Williams. Then a 28-6 victory over Scotland. Most notably, Gareth Edwards scored his 17th try for Wales.

The visit to Ireland didn’t begin well when the hosts ran to a 9-0 lead. But Wales were ahead by half-time. A burst of 18 points enabled Wales to surge ahead. They finished with a 34-9 win, their greatest ever at Lansdowne Road. Gerald Davies and Gareth Edwards were try-scorers.

Then it was the French in Cardiff on March 6th. Wales again started slowly. Powerful wing Jean-Francois Gourdon Scored an early try. This was converted by outside-half Jean-Paul Romeu.

But Wales steadily worked their way back into the match. By half-time, they led 13-9. With a try from JJ Williams. And three penalties. Two from Phil Bennett. Then a long-range effort from Allan Martin. Plus two more penalties from Steve Fenwick, that gave Wales what looked like a decisive 19-9 lead.But substitute, Jean-Michel Aguirre injected some spark into their backline. In the 57th minute wing, Jean-Luc Averous was awarded a try. And France was back within a converted try at 19-13. In the final stages, Jean-Francois Gourdon charged down the touchline. But, a last-ditch tackle from JPR Williams saved the day for Wales. The weight of the tackle knocked the ball from his grasp.