Referee Nigel Owens looking around during a Six-Nations rugby union international match between France and Scotland at the Stade de France stadium in Saint Denis
Wales kickstarted its Six Nations campaign with a 26-23 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield yesterday (Macau time).
Warren Gatland’s team lost its opener to England but hit back in Edinburgh with tries in either half from scrum-half Rhys Webb and center Jonathan Davies for an eighth successive victory over Scotland.
Leigh Halfpenny chipped in with 16 points as Wales put a dent in growing Scottish confidence after full-back Stuart Hogg had given the hosts an early lead.
Jim Hamilton barged over in the last few seconds to draw Scotland to within three points but referee Glen Jackson called time before the home side could mount one last push to avoid a second Six Nations defeat in a row.
Halfpenny delivered an immaculate performance in attack and defense, while Scotland replied through Hogg’s breakaway score and substitute lock Hamilton’s late touchdown, plus three Greig Laidlaw penalties and a conversion, and a Finn Russell conversion.
The Scots again showed obvious signs of their improvement under coach Vern Cotter, yet Wales looked a more dangerous team with ball in hand and possessed outstanding runners in Webb, Davies and Halfpenny.
But Wales cannot afford another defeat, and their next two games are against France in Paris and at home to reigning Six Nations champions Ireland.
“We came up here knowing if we lost, that was the championship race over for us, so we were under a lot of pressure to deliver the win,” Wales captain Sam Warburton said.
Both sides showed two changes from the opening round. Sean Lamont replaced injured Scotland wing Tommy Seymour and prop Geoff Cross took over from Euan Murray, who does not play on Sundays for religious reasons.
Wales, meanwhile, opted to rest powerful wing George North, who took two heavy blows to his head during the 21-16 defeat against England last week, so Liam Williams deputized, with Ospreys forward Aaron Jarvis replacing concussed tighthead prop Samson Lee. AP
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