2005 Grandslam and the rollercoaster ride before Gats

I said that the reemergence seemed to start in 1999 but the main year for us was 2005, the first grandslam in decades and some new names to get people talking.

The one notable game was against England, a game we were supposed to lose. Young talent starting to shine. The enigmatic man with the shaved brown legs and big silver boots.
That kick:

That tackle:

Wales played a fast flowing style,  lots of offloads, somewhat error strewn but exciting to watch.

A great grandslam but wasnt followed up and we would  have to wait another 3 years before Wales would truly fire again.

Players who impressed me during this period were:

Gareth Thomas, great captain and able to play in several positions.
Shane Williams, the small man, electrifying to watch.
Stephen Jones, another great 10.
Ryan Jones, went to my school, his first game against Scotland showed he was to become an important                     player.
Gethin Jenkins, a mobile prop, who enjoy putting boot to ball.
Tom Shanklin, exciting centre to watch and very reliable.
Martyn Willams, bossing the breakdown.