Huw Edwards throws shade at Telegraph for salty ‘worst ever’ Grand Slam winners article

Huw Edwards has thrown shade at the Telegraph for an article that claimed that Wales would be the “worst ever” Grand Slam winners.

The BBC broadcaster took aim at the newspaper for the piece that ranks 2003 England as the “best ever” winners, and claims that Wales would be at the bottom of the pile if they beat France on Saturday.

The suggestion was met with derision across social media and Edwards joined in by saying the article was “effortlessly one-sided”.

The piece by Chief Rugby Union writer Mick Cleary ranks every Grand Slam since 1990, handing England five of the top ten but no Wales Grand Slams until number eight – in 2008.

Wales are also considered three of the four bottom ranking Grand Slams, in 2005, 2012 and 2019.

Meanwhile, the article is full of praise for England’s efforts, with none of their five Grand Slams ranked lower than ninth.

In response Huw Edwards said: “Not like the @Telegraph to be so effortlessly one-sided… Cymru am Byth!”

Joseph Russ said: “Wales have scored 17 tries so far. In the last 14 tournaments only one winner has scored more tries (Ireland 2018). Wales still have one game left to play.”

Gavin Lloyd said: “Those grapes are rather sour.”

Tom Humphreys said: “Joint highest tries scored for a Welsh side with a game to spare. 3 (potentially 4) try bonus point wins. 40 points on England who ranked 2nd in the world coming in to the tournament.

“If you need some chips with that all that salt @TelegraphRugby I’m happy to supply.”

Gethin Jones said: “What does this say about the quality of our competition then?”

Tom Abraham said: “This happens EVERYTIME Wales do well in rugby. It’s always just luck that Wales do well, nothing else.”

‘Luck’ 

The article said: “While there is no such thing as an undeserved Grand Slam, even the most partisan Wales supporter will surely admit that luck has played a hefty part in their ever-flowering season,” the newspaper said.

“With two victories over sides, Ireland and Scotland, reduced to 14 man and a contentious refereeing display contributing to their (ultimately) convincing win over England.”

“This Grand Slam had been a long time coming, Clive Woodward leaving his team in no doubt as to the importance of finally managing a clean sweep after so many near misses,” the paper enthuses about England’s 2003 effort.

“The England head coach was well aware that his team needed a launch-pad towards the World Cup in Australia. England rounded off matters in emphatic manner with a 42-6 victory over Ireland at Lansdowne Rd. Onwards they went to global glory.”

Wales’ 2019 Grand Slam is ranked dead last, with Mick Cleary intoning: “What a journey to Grand Slam glory this was for Wales who trailed 16-0 to France at half-time on the opening Friday night of the championship in Paris yet came through to beat England (21-13) in Cardiff mid-tournament and rounded off a surprising campaign with a 25-7 win over defending champions, Ireland.

“The Gatland traits of fitness and defence were on show.”