By Aimee Lewis

Only a few weeks ago, Warren Gatland declared that barely a handful of Wales' squad would be recognisable to rugby union fans in New Zealand or Australia.

Captain Ryan Jones celebrates winning the Grand Slam

His players had achieved nothing yet, said the Wales coach.

But now many of them have won a second Six Nations Grand Slam in four years, only one less than the legendary team of the 1970s, who claimed Five Nations clean sweeps in 1971, 1976 and 1978 and five Triple Crowns in nine years.

The greatest of that swashbuckling vintage, former scrum-half Gareth Edwards, told BBC Sport: "It is difficult to compare one team with the other but it is easy to compare the outcome.

"They have won the Grand Slam and it is as good as it gets," he said. "It is a fantastic achievement and it was beyond our wildest dreams after the disappointment of the World Cup."

606: DEBATE Give us your thoughts

Of those involved in Saturday's match-day squad, nine were in the starting line-up on Grand Slam day against Ireland in 2005, with another three on the bench.

And with the average age of the starting line-up against France a shade under 27, is it possible that Shane, Gav, Ryan and company will go on to one day be talked about with the same hallowed reverence as JPR, Gerald and Gareth?

We take a look at how the current team compare with their predecessors of 30 years ago. And, just for fun, we look at how many of the 2008 vintage would make it into a composite team built from the two sides.

WALES 2008 Lee Byrne So impressive that he is regarded as a certainty for next year's Lions tour. Hardly missed a high ball and his huge boot would be the envy of JPR in his heyday. OUT Mark Jones Dropped for the Scotland match but dazzling run from his own 22 against France showed his talent. Runs like a 70s throwback but injury has blighted his Test career. OUT Tom Shanklin No coincidence that Wales are at their best when Shanklin is in the midfield. Came on for Sonny Parker against England and was imperious for the rest of the campaign. OUT Gavin Henson His stop-start career reflects Wales' fortunes. Enigmatic but has the talent to become a great. Wales have not lost a Six Nations game he has started. OUT Shane Williams Closer to joining the pantheon of greats with every game. Now Wales' record try-scorer after crossing six times during the campaign, he has got quicker with age. IN James Hook Burden of being labelled 'the next Barry John' rests easily on his shoulders. Nifty footwork created the vital try that launched the comeback against England. OUT Mike Phillips In the shadow of Dwayne Peel for most of his career, he has now come of age. Gatland believes Phillips could become the most imposing nine in world rugby. OUT Gethin Jenkins The archetypical modern-day prop - dynamic in the loose and strong in the set-pieces. Second Welsh prop to amass more than 50 caps, and plenty more to come. OUT Huw Bennett Battling with Matthew Rees for the hooking role, the pair split the duties. A more reliable thrower at the line-out, he was faultless against France. OUT Adam Jones His ever-changing hairstyle means he is always noticed. Improved his fitness and was ever-present this season. He now has two Grand Slams to his name. OUT Ian Gough He was in the wilderness between 2002 and 2005 but in the twilight of his career, is playing better than ever. Lost 4kg during the lung-burster against Italy. OUT Alun Wyn Jones The law student was a member of Wales' 2005 Under-21 Grand Slam side. Missed the Italy and Scotland wins but returned with two monumental displays. OUT Jonathan Thomas Can play anywhere in the back five, but predominantly a blind-side flanker. Tireless under-rated forward who goes about his work quietly but efficiently. OUT Martyn Williams Not the biggest but mobility ensures he is always first to the breakdown and has handling skills of a fly-half. Player of the 2005 Six Nations and hugely influential again. IN Ryan Jones A Lions star in 2005 before injury disrupted his career. Back to full fitness he has confirmed that promise and led the side with aplomb. IN

WALES 1978 JPR Williams An intimidating full-back, who was fearless in defence. He was almost impassable and played in every game of Wales' three Grand Slam successes of the 1970s. IN Gerald Davies A Ferrari on legs with a wonderful change of pace, his ability to glide away from the opposition was often breathtaking. He missed the '78 game against France. IN Ray Gravell A fearless and powerful centre, he played rugby with his heart on his sleeve. Died last year at the age of 56. His two daughters led Wales out on Saturday. IN 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 JJ Williams Scored the winning try in Dublin in 1978 that won Wales a third Triple Crown. He was often impossible to catch and was master of the kick and chase. OUT Phil Bennett Rated as highly as Barry John among those who saw both play. Able to jink past players twice his size and his famed sidestep sparked many a glorious try. IN Gareth Edwards Named as the greatest player of all time, Edwards had speed, agility and guile. He made his debut aged 19 and became Wales' youngest captain a year later. IN Charlie Faulkner The Pontypool prop was relatively unknown when he made is debut in 1975. Faulkner, winner of two Grand Slams, was mobile and a fierce scrummager. IN Bobby Windsor The steelworker began his career as a back but developed into a legendary hooker. He was quick and strong in the scrum and knew every trick in the book. IN Graham Price Announced his arrival on the international scene with a 60-metre try against France in Paris. Regarded as one of the greatest props to have graced the game. IN Geoff Wheel His Herculean strength would mean that mauls would rise up and down when Wheel had his hands on the ball. One of the best Wales locks there has been. IN Allan Martin The Aberavon man was a classic line-out jumper, invariably securing Wales ball and often stealing opposition throw. Also an impressive kicker of the ball. IN Jeff Squire At his peak he was superb on the burst and rarely gave away possession. Also responsible for his share of line-out ball. A number eight playing blind-side. IN Terry Cobner "A nightmare" to play against, the athletic flanker was probably the strongest man, pound for pound, in the Welsh team. British Lions standout player in 1977. OUT Derek Quinnell Big and aggressive, he adept as a lock and number eight. In 1971 was the only British Lion in New Zealand not to have been capped. OUT

To most, the golden generation are untouchable but there is no doubting the potential of the current team.

Shane Williams, the player of the tournament, is the only modern-day player to break the 1978 back-line hegemony, yet his team-mates have time on their side.

Byrne's kicking game already surpasses that of JPR and if he continues to perform to the standard shown during this year's Six Nations then the great man's jersey could, one day, be within the Ospreys full-back's reach.

Henson and Hook are two outstanding talents. There are not many in the game who possess their skills and a few more consistent seasons from the pair could see them take their seats at Welsh rugby's top table.

In the pack, there are no superlatives left to describe Martyn Williams and he demands inclusion, while Ryan Jones, who forces out Quinnell, is an international novice performing like a veteran.