Gatland revels in deserved victory

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New Zealander Gatland inspired Wales to a tournament clean sweep after just five games at the coaching helm following a 29-12 Millennium Stadium victory over France.

Gatland said: "I will probably wake up with a smile and a hangover on Sunday. I try not to categorise things, but winning the Grand Slam in your first season is pretty special."

He added: "We knew if we could win the first game against England - and we were lucky enough to do that after a poor first-half performance - we then had two successive home games.

"It gave us a chance if we could get some momentum, and if you win a few games you become difficult to beat in this tournament. If you lose a few, you are looking at the wooden spoon."

Gatland has turned Wales into kings of Europe less than six months after they failed to reach the World Cup knockout stage under his predecessor Gareth Jenkins.

And Gatland added: "We put a few structures in place and a bit of honesty and self-belief, and these guys have been magnificent.

"You get what you deserve, and on reflection, we thoroughly deserved to win the Six Nations. I am delighted for the players.

"The last six months have been pretty tough for them, but they have responded fantastically well."