HIGH TACKLE: France's David Skrela (right) grimacing as Wales' Jonathan Thomas goes for his neck in a dangerously high tackle in an effort to stop him from making further progress. -- PHOTO: AP

Even new coach Warren Gatland, appointed in November after Gareth Jenkins was sacked as they crashed out of the World Cup broken and battered in the group stages, had merely hoped his dispirited side won more than they lost.

Then the Red Dragons beat England at Twickenham for the first time in 20 years, and the self-belief grew into an indestructible campaign that was capped with Saturday's 29-12 win over two-time champions France at the Millennium Stadium.

Wales' second sweep in four years - a Grand Slam occurs when one team in the Six Nations Championship manages to beat all the others - came from another magnificent defensive stand in which they made 128 tackles.

They have allowed only two tries in their five matches, breaking the record of four conceded by England in 2002 and 2003.

A 9-9 deadlock was broken by small but deadly winger Shane Williams' record 41st try for Wales in the 60th minute.

Williams has spent most of his career being written off for being too small for modern Test rugby.

The finale was orchestrated by one of the most sensational runs the competition has ever seen.

Mark Jones burst out of his own 22-yard area weaving left and right, accelerated away and was hauled down only two metres short of what would have been one of the most remarkable tries.

But, soon afterwards, Martyn Williams, the 32-year-old who had had enough of Test rugby after the World Cup but was persuaded to return from international retirement, burst clear to score at the posts.

There could not have been a louder noise at any sporting occasion in history, reported The Times.

'We thoroughly deserved to win the Six Nations,' said Gatland, whose partnership with Englishman Shaun Edwards, the part-time Wales defence coach, turned the side around.

Captain Ryan Jones, who received the Six Nations trophy from Prince William, said: 'These are experiences and memories that money can't buy.'

Wales' next big test comes in the summer, when they visit the world champions, South Africa.

England ended up second after rallying from 0-10 down to stuff Ireland 33-10 at Twickenham.

Italy received the wooden spoon but were gratified with a 23-20 comeback victory over Scotland in Rome.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Welsh march to the Six Nations title