WALES are on the brink of casting the golden decade of the seventies into the history books -- they are one game and one win away from achieving their first Grand Slam for 27 years.

Only Ireland at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday stand between Wales and that Grand Slam just two years after they suffered the humiliation of a Six Nations Championship whitewash.

Wales set up their bid for glory with a devastating, record victory at Murrayfield when they thrashed Scotland 46-22, leading 43-3 early in the second half after playing some breathtaking rugby in the most one-sided first half in Six Nations history.

It followed their first victory over England in Cardiff for 12 years, a six-try romp against Italy in Rome and a terrific win in France after looking dead and buried.

The triumphant Welsh team, supported by a massive 40,000 fans in Scotland, flew home last night to prepare for the final showdown against Ireland because they have one day less between matches in view of their Sunday match at Murrayfield.

Wales will go in against Ireland with the backing of Scotland skipper Chris Paterson, who firmly backs Wales for the Grand Slam.

"It's Wales for me," he said. "And I'd like to see them stick to their game plan, it's worked for them and though there will be huge pressure on them to win at all costs they deserve credit for playing like that.

"They can take it to Ireland, they have done it in all four games and they have been out on the road. Now they are at home and I wish them the best of luck."

Rejuvenated flanker Martyn Williams, probably Wales' player of the series, is in no doubt of what it means.

"It's definitely the biggest game of my life, none of us has been in this situation before," he said, adding with some sarcasm "I'm sure we'll keep the lid on it and be level headed as we are back home.

"We never thought we'd be in a position to win the Grand Slam and we might never have a chance again.

"There is no way we can afford to take Ireland lightly, but we will now focus on taking the biggest step of all."

But Williams warns Wales about the threat Ireland will pose. "They can win the Triple Crown as well, they're a quality side and if we play like we did in the last 20 minutes against Scotland we won't have much chance," he said

"We won't be able to do that agin, Ireland are a difficult side and they won't start slowly. "It's going to be a dogfight, but our pack haven't had the plaudits they deserve."

Wales can still win the Six Nations title even if they lose to Ireland by no more than 13 points and France fail to beat Italy by at least 42 points.