Wales qualified automatically for Rugby World Cup 2003 after reaching the quarter finals four years ago, the first time they had progressed to the knock out stages since the inaugural Tournament in 1987.
1987 was a fantastic year for Wales, finishing third after beating Australia 22-21 in the play off. Hopes had been set on a final berth, but a 49-9 defeat by New Zealand in the semi final was decisive, a match which also saw Welshman Huw Richards become the first player sent off in a Rugby World Cup.
In 1991 Wales suffered a shock defeat by Western Samoa in their opening match in Cardiff – the Pacific Islanders would repeat the feat eight years later in the same city – and bowed out after another Pool defeat by Australia.
A golden era that had blessed the world of Rugby with the likes of Barry John and JPR Williams passed by, and the national team lost direction. The sense of invincibility on the world scene that those hallowed names had helped to establish died away and many Welsh stars converted to rugby league.
The late 1990’s saw a Welsh revival with Graham Henry at the helm with 10 consecutive Test victories, including a first against South Africa. More recent fortunes have, however, been mixed with some impressive results punctuating an era which is now characterised by a relatively inexperienced and fresh young side out to make their mark.
Great names to have worn the famous red jersey come in long lists. In addition to the two remarkable talents mentioned above, Phil Bennett, Gareth Edwards, Gerald Davies, JJ Williams, Ieuan Evans, Rob Howley, Neil Jenkins and Jonathan Davies all stamped their mark on World Rugby.
If Wales are to reach another quarter final then the likes of Gareth Llewellyn, Stephen Jones, Mark Taylor and Gareth Thomas will need to be key players, while others to make an impact could be Iestyn Harris and Dwayne Peel.