By James Standley

After years of pain Welsh rugby fans are once again on top of the world.

If Wales beat Ireland in Cardiff on Saturday they will clinch their first Grand Slam since 1978.

Have your say on Scrum V: Give your verdict

That Welsh team was packed with names who are legends in Wales to this day, and the current vintage are hoping they will soon be elevated to their ranks.

But how many of the current XV would make it into the awesome Wales team that swept all before them in 1978?

WALES 2005 Gareth Thomas Brave and combative Thomas has played right across the Welsh backline. He is Wales' all-time leading try-scorer and leads by example as captain. Out - still JPR's jersey Kevin Morgan Not the biggest but certainly one of the quickest players around, Morgan also does a fine job at full-back and is an elusive runner in the classic Welsh style. Out - Gerald stays put Tom Shanklin The dependable ex-Saracens centre, son of former Wales player Jim, has forced his way into the side after several years on the fringes and a career-threatening leg injury. Out - Gravell's too strong Gavin Henson The new Welsh poster boy will always be remembered for his towering kick to beat England. Has all the skills and could go on to become a Welsh legend. Out - maybe in the future Shane Williams The twinkle-toed imp has been the most dangerous broken-field runner in the 2005 championship. The hair may not delight everyone but the dancing feet certainly do. In - he'd shift JJ Stephen Jones With some decent ball to play with the hugely-underrated Jones has shown he is well capable of controlling a game. Not a dazzling runner, but makes his share of breaks. Out - lacks genius Dwayne Peel The latest in a long line of fine Welsh scrum-halves. Possesses a good pass and plenty of pace, which he uses to snipe around the fringes to great effect. Out - Edwards untouchable Michael Owen The rangy number eight is a fine all-round athlete and a great footballer. His ball carrying gives Wales another option when they cannot get the ball wide. In - Quinnell's a big lump Martyn Williams Profited from Colin Charvis' injury and has been one of the players of the tournament. Not the most powerful athlete but reads the game brilliantly and puts his body on the line. In - 2005's best player Ryan Jones Given his chance due to injuries, Jones is a robust ball carrier who refuses to take a backwards step. He is a big man with a bright future ahead of him. Out - Squire's too good Robert Sidoli Wales prime lineout option, the lanky second row is a good athlete who has rediscovered his form and battled back into contention after a disappointing 2004. Out - Allan's a kicker too Brent Cockbain The tough Aussie-born second row has come into his own this season. He brings presence to the Welsh lineout and adds plenty around the park as well. Out - Wheel was awesome Adam Jones The darker member of the "hair-bear bunch" with injured namesake Duncan, doubts remain over his fitness but he has done a fine job anchoring the once-rocky Welsh scrum. Out - no-one shifts Price Mefin Davies Nearly lost to the professional game when the Celtic Warriors folded, Davies has been reborn with Gloucester. Nuggety and tough, he never takes a backwards step. Out - Windsor was Windsor Gethin Jenkins The loose-head grew from promising youngster to top-class international during the 2005 championship. Prominent around the field, he can also play on the tight-head. In - huge potential

WALES 1978 JPR Williams A fearless full-back and one of the fittest players of his generation. Able to stop anyone in their tracks with the added advantage of impressive speed. In - he's a class apart Gerald Davies With a wonderful change of pace, his ability to glide away from opposition was often breathtaking. A Ferrari on legs, he became a journalist with the BBC and Times. In - one of the best ever Ray Gravell A fearless and powerful centre, he played rugby with his heart on his sleeve, even if it sometimes affected his head. One of the last of the bearded backs. In - too much for Shanklin Steve Fenwick Became one of Wales' most accomplished all-round players. Valued for his ability to score tries as well as convert them. Powerful and strong in defence. In - but Henson has time JJ Williams The sprinter of the team and on hard ground so quick few players could catch him. He was the master of the kick and chase and often impossible to catch. Out - Shane fits right in Phil Bennett A brilliant Welsh fly-half, able to jink past players twice his height. Is rated as highly as Barry John among those who saw both of the Welsh wizards play. In - he's one of the greats Gareth Edwards A legend in his own time. A 400m hurdler with a low centre of gravity, his rugby skills matched his athletic ability. Perhaps the most accomplished scrum-half ever. In - he's the best Derek Quinnell A big and aggressive lump of a man at the back of the scrum, he was able to take as well as dish out some almighty hits - not unlike his sons! Out - Owen offers far more Terry Cobner Probably the strongest man, pound for pound, in the Welsh team. A master of the maul he was a powerful openside flanker, described as "a nightmare" to play against. Out - very close call Jeff Squire At his peak he was superb on the burst and rarely gave away possession. He was also responsible for more than his share of lineout ball. A number eight playing blindside. In - Jones not there yet Allan Martin The classic lineout jumper and stole many an opposition throw. Also an impressive kicker of the ball and frustrated many sides with his long-range toe-punts. In - Outclasses Sidoli Geoff Wheel Possibly the most powerful lock in the Five Nations of his era. Rucks would rise up and down when he had his hands on the ball. One of the best Wales locks ever. In - Cockbain misses out Graham Price A remarkable talent in the front row and possibly one of the greatest props the world has ever seen - as he made evident with his 60 metre try against France in Paris. In - was there any doubt? Bobby Windsor A deceptively quick hooker and great scrummager, Windsor did everything ever asked of him. Devastating to play against as he knew every trick in the book. In - Davies offers no more Charlie Faulkner The final member of the famous all-Pontypool front row. Along with his mates he provided the platform for the wonderfully talented backline to prosper. Out - youth takes over

In our view only four of the current team would make it into the Grand Slam-winning team of 1978, and a couple of those are controversial selections at best.

Shane Williams would fit right in with the '78 legends but he is the only modern-day back who would make the XV.

Up front, Martyn Williams' superb form demands inclusion, even if it is at the expense of the force of nature that was Terry Cobner.

Michael Owen is rapidly growing into a fine player and his ball skills would have brought a different dimension to the '78 team.

And in the front row the richly-talented Gethin Jenkins would break up the Pontypool trio known as the "Viet Gwent" by forcing out Charlie Faulkner.