Archive
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What now for Welsh rugby? - 24.02.04
Where now for Welsh rugby? After all the promise of recent months it was blown seriously off course on a near impossibly cold Sunday in Ireland. The streets of Dublin were mercifully free of screaming, shouting, bawling Welsh fans on the morning after
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Newport in seven try show
NEWPORT failed to hit the heights of their terrific win over Llanelli on Saturday but still ran in seven tries to plant a further nail in Newbridge's relegation coffin at Rodney Parade last night. You have to feel sorry for Newbridge. They dominated the
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Owen starts - 04.03.04
MICHAEL Owen becomes the first player from Newport Gwent Dragons to earn a Welsh cap in the Six Nations Championship when he plays against France at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday. Owen has appeared for Wales before, of course, but he will go down in
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England win not a must
SOON to depart Wales coach Steve Hansen, pictured, is unconcerned if he finishes his two-year tenure in charge without a major scalp. He gets his last chance on Saturday when Wales play world champions England at Twickenham after a Six Nations record
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Popham's chance - 22.03.04
ALIX Popham, the former Newport back row forward, is standing by for Wales in coach Steve Hansen's finale against Italy at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday. Popham, a regular for Leeds in the Zurich Premiership, hasn't featured for Wales since their
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My hardest job - Hansen - 11.02.04
MY hardest job - that is how Wales coach Steve Hansen describes the selection of the team to face Scotland at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday. Hansen is in his third and last season in charge of Wales, and his record in the Six Nations Championship
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Experienced flanker confident of upset
MARTYN Williams wins his 50th cap on Saturday in an international career that has spanned nine years. And the Cardiff Blues flanker admits Wales have never been so confident of upsetting the apple-cart and beating the old-enemy - England. Williams was
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Time to move on - 13.02.04
After the heroics of the World Cup, Wales veteran Gareth Thomas insists that it is now time for Steve Hansen's side to 'move on.' Wales kick-off their Six Nations campaign against Scotland at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday. But after the World Cup
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Harris predicts an explosive clash - 12.02.04
IT'S going to be fireworks on Saturday, predicts Wales star Iestyn Harris ahead of the Six Nations Championship opener against Scotland at the Millennium Stadium. Wales now boast a back division fit to scare any side with players of the calibre of artful
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Wales can fight back - 26.02.04
ALL is not lost for Wales, says Bob Skinstad, Newport Gwent Dragons' back row signing from South Africa. The former Springboks captain believes Wales can re-establish themselves after their debacle in Ireland last Sunday and says it was simply a bad day
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Moment of truth - 14.02.04
STEVE Hansen has given his Welsh side one last rallying call ahead of their opening Six Nations game, insisting that his team are on the crest of a wave. Wales take on Scotland in their Six Nations curtain-raiser at the Millennium Stadium today (4pm),
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Newport in seven try show
NEWPORT failed to hit the heights of their terrific win over Llanelli on Saturday but still ran in seven tries to plant a further nail in Newbridge's relegation coffin at Rodney Parade last night. You have to feel sorry for Newbridge. They dominated the
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We were totally outplayed- Williams - 23.02.04
Wales captain Martyn Williams admitted there were few positives to take from his side's disappointing display. He said: "We were totally outplayed in every aspect. When we go and analyse it, it will be very difficult to get any positives from it. But
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Best is yet to come - 16.02.04
THE best is yet to come, says Wales coach Steve Hansen after Saturday's 23-10 victory over Scotland in the Six Nations, their first winning start to the championship for seven years. But the menace of Brian O'Driscoll is looming, Ireland's captain and
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Wales will turn defeat to victory - 22.03.04
WALES are getting there, and in the not-too-distant future they will make it to the top. That is the view of coach Steve Hansen, who has just one more match in charge of the Wales team, against Italy next Saturday, before returning to his native New Zealand
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Future's unclear for modest Llewellyn - 29.03.04
WALES lock-forward Gareth Llewellyn equalled Neil Jenkins' record number of appearances for his country, but then admitted it could well be his last. Llewellyn won his 87th cap in Saturday's comprehensive victory over Italy at the Millennium Stadium.
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Hansen prepares for final fling - 27.03.04
WALES have never been beaten by Italy at home in six attempts, but they will be wise to be wary of the Azzuri at the Millennium Stadium today. It's their final game in this season's Six Nations and coach Steve Hansen's last time in charge gives the occasion
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Experienced flanker confident of upset
MARTYN Williams wins his 50th cap on Saturday in an international career that has spanned nine years. And the Cardiff Blues flanker admits Wales have never been so confident of upsetting the apple-cart and beating the old-enemy - England. Williams was
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Rising Star - 08.03.04
NEWPORT Gwent Dragons forward Michael Owen has been hailed as a world class star by Wales coach Steve Hansen. Owen's form was the biggest saving grace as Wales plunged to a 29-22 defeat at the hands of France at the Millennium Stadium yesterday. By general
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No excuses - they were too good - 08.03.04
THERE could be few complaints this time, for Wales were outpointed by a stronger, better- equipped Grand Slam- chasing French team at the Millennium Stadium yesterday. Though Ireland's shock victory over world champions England at Twickenham on Saturday
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We'll have to meet fire with fire - 06.03.04
WALES' Pontypool-based prop Iestyn Thomas issues a defiant message ahead of tomorrow's crucial Six Nations clash with France at the Millennium Stadium. The Llanelli Scarlets and former Ebbw Vale loose head specialist insists Wales will get it right against
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We could have trounced you, says Dallaglio - 22.03.04
ENGLAND captain Law-rence Dallagio felt that Wales were lucky to escape with only a ten-point deficit during Saturday's Six Nations match at Twickenham. Wales led England with 20 minutes to go, but Dallagio felt that the scoreboard flattered Steve Hansen's
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Wales record feat - 25.03.04
GARETH Llewellyn, pictured, today reflected on the prospect of winning his 87th cap on Saturday against Italy and insisted he never set out to do so. Llewellyn, 35, who replaces the injured Brent Cockbain will equal Neil Jenkins' record when he runs out
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Key duo may be ruled out - 09.02.04
KEY Wales forwards Robin McBryde and Robert Sidoli face fitness tests to decide whether they will be available for Saturday's Six Nations Championship opener against Scotland at the Millennium Stadium. McBryde is suffering from a back injury while Sidoli
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Gough joins up for 'Duel'
IAN Gough has been released by the Wales management and he was a late inclusion in the Newport Gwent Dragons squad which flew out to Dubai last night for Friday's 'Duel in the Desert' clash against the Stormers of South Africa. Gough is not in the Wales
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Henson holds the key to Welsh dreams
IAN Gough has been released by the Wales management and he was a late inclusion in the Newport Gwent Dragons squad which flew out to Dubai last night for Friday's 'Duel in the Desert' clash against the Stormers of South Africa, writes Robin Davey. Gough
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Great start but no complacency - 16.02.04
WALES, greeted almost like conquering heroes after their World Cup exploits by an expectant home crowd, carried on where they left off in Australia as they got their Six Nations campaign off to a winning start. Not since 1997 had Wales won their opening
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Residents' drive for community centre
RESIDENTS from Pontllanfraith have started a campaign for a community centre to be opened on their estate. Barbara Evans and Barry Jones say such a centre would give youths on the Springfield estate a place to meet - and could be used by older people
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Getting tough on rubbish
LEGAL action is being taken against a Newport resident who littered a city street. The council has issued a statutory notice after a Bettws resident, of Livale Road, left black bags of rubbish strewn on his street. If he continues it could lead to a 1,000
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'Staff offended by hygiene comment'
ANGRY staff at a Gwent hospital have hit back at claims that hygiene levels are not first rate. They feel unfairly criticised by a Newport councillor because a soap dispenser in a ward kitchen was empty. The Argus reported how concerned council health
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End of an era - 29.03.04
STEVE Hansen today gives Mike Ruddock, his successor as Wales coach, a ringing endorsement after ending his time as Wales coach on a winning note against Italy. Wales' record 44-10 victory over the Italians left them in fourth place in the Six Nations
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Forget Ireland- McBryde - 04.03.04
ROBIN McBryde has urged Wales not to get bogged down by the defeat in Ireland and to go out and express themselves in World Cup style against France on Sunday. But the experienced Llanelli hooker admits that in order to do that the pack will have to provide
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Stick with us - 23.02.04
GARETH Thomas, pictured, one of Wales' most senior players, has spoken of his devastation at Sunday's 36-15 defeat by Ireland at Lansdowne Road yesterday. It was a major setback for Wales after their encouraging Six Nations opening day victory over Scotland
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Gwent four in Wales U-21 line-up - 11.02.04
FOUR Gwent players are included in a new-look Wales Under-21 side for their opening game of the Six Nations Championship against Scotland at Bridgend on Friday (2pm). Newport centre Richard Payne and number eight Richard Dale are among ten new caps. The
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Hansen hits back at 'soft' French claim - 05.03.04
WALES coach Steve Hansen has answered French captain Fabien Pelous' stinging suggestion that Wales are soft up front and that France will attack them there. "It shows how they feel about us, but if it means they come with a soft under-belly themselves
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Wales expecting a physical battle - 11.02.04
SCOTLAND may have had a disappointing World Cup, but far more is expected of them in the Six Nations Championship with a new coach and new back-up. The Welsh players are guarded about the Scottish challenge and they are expecting them to come out firing
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Andrew hails his youngsters
Newcastle boss Rob Andrew, pictured, has hailed the selection of Falcons centres Mathew Tait and Jamie Noon for England's RBS 6 Nations Championship opener against Wales. Tait, 19 next Sunday, will become the youngest England debutant since his Newcastle
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Postman gets life for murder of ex-lover
A GWENT postman was jailed for life this afternoon for murdering his ex-lover in a ferocious knife attack. A jury at Newport crown court found Mark Anthony Redwood, 31, guilty of murdering mother-of-one Natalie Jenkins with a carving knife at his house
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Entity Test
foo & bar
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Gough joins up for 'Duel'
IAN Gough has been released by the Wales management and he was a late inclusion in the Newport Gwent Dragons squad which flew out to Dubai last night for Friday's 'Duel in the Desert' clash against the Stormers of South Africa. Gough is not in the Wales
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He's back
FLANKER Martyn Williams has given Wales coach Mike Ruddock a massive boost by declaring himself fit for Saturday's Six Nations clash against England. If selected he wants to lead his country out against the English as it would be his 50th cap for Wales
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Who dares wins - 20.03.04
MARK Taylor gives fans heading to Twickenham today for the England-Wales Six Nations showdown a 20-minute warning. England coach Sir Clive Woodward has increased the temperature this week by saying Wales are the side he most wants to beat. And Taylor,
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Wales have to repeat Oz show - 18.03.04
WALES shocked the rugby world when they almost toppled eventual World Cup winners England in November's quarter-final in Brisbane. They have got to go out with exactly the same attitude on Saturday, says experienced openside flanker Martyn Williams. By
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Hal be there
NEWPORT Gwent Dragons threequarter Hal Luscombe makes his Six Nations Championship debut for Wales on Saturday - and it couldn't be tougher. For Luscombe steps in on the wing against world champions England in the cauldron of the Millennium Stadium when
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Stick hurts - 19.03.04
CONVERTED Wales tight-head Gethin Jenkins admits recent criticism of him has "hurt." The 23-year-old Celtic Warrior has been the centre of controversy this season as the Wales scrum has creaked and his ability has been questioned. "I try to take no notice
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Taylor wants talk with new coach - 24.03.04
FORMER Pontypool star Mark Taylor has revealed that he is planning a heart to heart with new Wales coach Mike Ruddock - to discuss his international future. Taylor is one of a number of senior players that may call time on their glittering international
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Let's get real - we've still long way to go - 17.02.04
Some people want to get real on the Welsh rugby front. Now I'm the first to admit that Wales expressed themselves brilliantly in the latter stages of the World Cup, and they played some magical rugby against New Zealand and England. In fact it was so
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Parker relishes pairing - 16.02.04
Sonny Parker is relishing his partnership with Iestyn Harris and hopes the pair can take their performance against Scotland to a whole new level against Ireland next Saturday. Parker and Harris formed a solid midfield that set the platform for Rhys and
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Wings can give Wales victory - 13.02.04
WALES can wing to victory and open their championship campaign with a win for the first time for seven years when they take on a new-look Scotland team at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow. Wales coach Steve Hansen has decided to carry on where he left
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Time to pull together - 09.03.04
WALES haven't won at Twickenham for 16 years, and now they are preparing to face an England team on a mission after their shock home defeat by Ireland. There is no way Sir Clive and his England troops will settle for what happened at headquarters last
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It'll be brutal - 05.03.04
WALES centre Iestyn Harris today warned Sunday's Test against France would be brutal and predicted Les Bleus would go all out to bully the Dragons. The former Rugby League star predicted Wales would be physically tested early on and said how they stood
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Hansen voices faith in his storming stars - 29.03.04
DESPITE Saturday's convincing victory over Italy, departing Wales coach Steve Hansen has urged the Welsh public to be patient. Wales romped to victory scoring six tries against a hapless Italian side who never looked like getting anything from the game
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Williams:We planned stylish send-off - 29.03.04
WINGER Rhys Williams admitted that Wales were desperate to send Steve Hansen off in style on Saturday. And having scored six tries in an emphatic 44-10 victory that is exactly what they did. "There was a lot of talk of sending Steve off in style, and
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Irish a heck of a test - 19.02.04
WELSH rugby is littered with so many false dawns, particularly in the past decade, that the team have to make sure this is not a repeat says Rhys Williams, two-try hero of the victory over Scotland. That performance has led to a reaction bordering on
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Wales captain change - 18.02.04
WALES will almost certainly face Ireland at Lansdowne Road on Sunday with a change of captain. The leadership could well revert to openside flanker Martyn Williams because current skipper Colin Charvis is set to miss the match. Coach Steve Hansen names
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Rhys is Britain's toughest guy
MEET Britain's toughest man. Wading through ice-cold waters, climbing electrified fences and running through blazing straw were just some of the arduous tasks Rhys Peters completed to win the world's hardest physical event - the Tough Guy competition.
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Dallaglio wary of Welsh - 18.03.04
Lawrence Dallaglio is not underestimating the danger Wales pose to an England team desperate to bounce back from their shock RBS 6 Nations defeat by Ireland. England captain Dallaglio knows from personal experience what a threat Steve Hansen's Welsh side
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Wales ripped apart by rampant Irish - 23.02.04
THE reality of yet another Welsh false dawn hit home like a dose of cold steel on the bitterest of bitter Dublin days yesterday. Those who forecast the rise of Welsh rugby like a phoenix from the ashes were dealt a cruel blow as Ireland thrust a knife
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We are the dark horses
WALES go into this week's Six Nations Champio-nship as the dark horses, the team the rest fear. That in itself represents a remarkable transformation for a nation that for far too long has been at the bottom of the pile languishing among the also- rans
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Cockbain is ready for big battle
BRENT Cockbain has never experienced the occasion of a Wales-England international in Cardiff - but he's got a pretty good idea of what it's going to be like and he's prepared for a battle royal. Cockbain was born and brought up in Australia, but though
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Sir Clive's troops in great escape - 22.03.04
TWICKENHAM itself summed up this firecracker perfectly. They chose to play the theme tune from The Great Escape as the teams left the field on Saturday. For England, indeed, had escaped for the second time in a row against Wales, though the music was
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Come and see me, Mike - 24.03.04
COME and see me -- that is the message from outgoing Wales coach Steve Hansen to his successor Mike Ruddock, the Newport Gwent Dragons chief. Hansen takes charge of the Welsh team for the last time on Saturday in the Six Nations finale against Italy and
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Wales issue warning - 10.02.04
WALES are set to scare the Six Nations big boys, says skills coach Scott Johnson. The Australian (pictured), number two to Steve Hansen, issues a warning to the other sides ahead of Saturday's first game against Scotland at the Millennium Stadium. "We
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Hal be there
NEWPORT Gwent Dragons threequarter Hal Luscombe makes his Six Nations Championship debut for Wales on Saturday - and it couldn't be tougher. For Luscombe steps in on the wing against world champions England in the cauldron of the Millennium Stadium when
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Fellowship of Frodo and Ystrad Fawr
WAS The Lord of the Rings, the epic story of the Hobbits and their fight to save Middle Earth from the dark rule of Sauron, and which has thrilled millions of filmgoers and four generations of readers, inspired by our corner of Wales? Colin Duriez, one
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Roll up for top awards
RED Dragon FM has announced that this year's glittering Welsh Awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, March 3, at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium. It is the seventh event of its kind, and this year guests from the worlds of music and sport, as well
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'This is an insult to everyone who recycles'
COUNCILLOR Noel Trigg said the recycling pilot was to blame after 23 black bags of household rubbish were dumped in a Bettws lane. Residents of Cherwell Walk were appalled to find split bags spewing cans and teabags over the pavement. Many of the surrounding
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Julie Andrews sang with Gwent chor
IT was a snowy winter day more than half a century ago when a silver-tongued teenager joined a valleys girls' choir for a memorable concert. Julie Andrews - later to become an international star with lead roles in classic films such as The Sound of Music
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OAP benefits cheat enjoyed luxury cruise
SENTENCING of a 73-year-old benefits cheat who falsely claimed thousands of pounds was adjourned yesterday. Ronald Brindley, of Ebbw Vale, previously pleaded guilty to making 16,000 worth of false benefit claims between July 1998 and March 2003, while
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'The minister is only hope in school fight'
OUTRAGED parents last night vowed to take their fight to stop a school closure to the National Assembly. Just eight out of 31 councillors backed their campaign to save Trevethin community school and send pupils to West Monmouth and Abersychan schools
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Police target menace of girl gangs
POLICE are targeting girl gangs blamed for causing havoc in two Gwent towns. For the past six months, residents in Caldicot and Magor have been plagued by gangs of teenage girls who gather in the town centres and intimidate and bully passers-by, drink
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Perfect end to Hansen's reign - 29.03.04
A record Six Nations victory over Italy, a new try-scoring record for Gareth Thomas and a winning end to the Six Nations in the final game of Steve Hansen's reign as Wales coach. It was a pretty impressive six-try send-off for Hansen, and he responded