Sam Warburton’s Wales reached last year’s World Cup bronze medal match – even if the 23-year-old flanker had to watch from the sidelines – just as the class of ’87 did but whereas Moriaty and co famously downed the Wallabies, 22-21, semi-final exertions ensured it got no better than fourth last October.

But David Strettle’s disallowed try – or maybe Warburton’s remarkable tackle on Manu Tuilagi – ensured Wales have eased their World Cup pain with a Triple Crown and Warren Gatland’s side are now two wins away from a third Grand Slam in eight years.

The differences between Moriaty’s men and Warburton’s warriors are myriad. The 1987 side were not exactly pocket rockets but Gatland’s side, especially their back line, still dwarfs the rest of the Six Nations.

The wings alone, George North and Alex Cuthbert, stand at 6ft 4in and 6ft 6in respectively and pack a whacking 17st 6lb and 16st 5lb of uncompromising muscle – and they’re no slouches either.

Inside centre Jamie Roberts also packs a punch while Jonathan Davies is deceptively big as well – it is power and pace, combined with a willingness to be expansive that makes the current Wales side so dangerous.

And while former second row Moriarty sees similarities between the two sides, he believes that the current crop have youth on their side and expects Warburton to take his place in the national record books.

“The squad of our time I think would be considered equal, but there are some very interesting young players currently, the likes of the wing pair and the back rows, and Leigh Halfpenny,” he said.

“They possess a great deal of talent and are already very accomplished players.

“Being so young and achieving the success they have so far is great, success on the rugby field lifts the whole of Wales.

“Winning the Triple Crown is a tremendous achievement, it was a bit close for comfort at Twickenham but they deserved it. They have won three high quality games, and it’s a very nice feeling seeing them succeed.

“It’s obviously greatly difficult to compare two different eras. The game has moved on in professional terms but the players in the 1987 squad had a lot of players that achieved great honours, and likewise the current squad has the ability to do that.”

Should results go to form this weekend, Wales will be within touching distance of the Grand Slam but France, their World Cup semi-final conquerors, will be standing in their way at the Millennium Stadium.

Moriarty however, does not envisage many problems for Gatland’s troops.

“The Grand Slam is there for the taking if things go well over the coming weeks with regards to their preparations. They have every chance,” he added.

“Warren Gatland has done a great job, the entire management team have. The commitment the players are showing for the cause is tremendous.”