For two weeks in October, Wales held its breath. In the Rugby World Cup, with an influx of young players & probably the most exciting rugby played in the competition, Wales had negotiated a difficult qualifying group to reach a quarter final against an unbeaten Ireland side. Ireland were despatched 22:10; next up was a France side which had misfired throughout the tournament. In New Zealand & at home, Wales believed: over 60, 000 people watched the game at the Millennium Stadium. But injuries to key players, missed kicks, & the sending off of skipper Sam Warburton meant that Wales came up just short in a grippingly tense match they dominated. & defeat against Australia in their last game left Wales fourth. Yet this was still a time for celebration. Wales had lost to three of the world's top sides by a collective margin of five points. It couldn't have been closer, & the Wales squad could return home confident for the future & with their heads held high.