| Wales (14) 20 |
| Tries: Francis Pens: Biggar 4 Drop-goal: Biggar |
| Scotland (14) 17 |
| Tries: Graham Pens: Russell 4 |
Captain Dan Biggar kicked 15 factors in his a hundredth worldwide to information Wales to victory in opposition to Scotland.
Biggar sealed the win with a late drop-purpose after reverse quantity Finn Russell had acquired a 68th-minute yellow card for a deliberate knock-on.
Scotland wing Darcy Graham and Wales prop Tomas Francis scored tries whereas Biggar and Russell kicked penalties as the primary half ended 14-14.
There have been no second-half tries however Biggar’s intervention clinched the win.
It proved a charming contest in Cardiff as Wales bounced again from the frustration of a gap Six Nations weekend defeat in opposition to Ireland.
It was a vastly improved efficiency from Wayne Pivac’s aspect as they discovered the physicality lacking within the Dublin defeat, typified by hooker Ryan Elias being named man of the match.
The victory was a becoming event for Biggar and Jonathan Davies who each celebrated reaching the milestone of 100 internationals.
In distinction Scotland celebrated a Calcutta Cup victory in opposition to England final weekend, however their 20-yr document of not profitable in Cardiff goes on.
Gregor Townsend’s aspect gained away at Twickenham and Stade de France final season, however these stadiums have been empty, in contrast to the raucous reception they acquired on the house of Welsh rugby.
Stuart Hogg’s males additionally loved success in Llanelli in October 2020 however that was additionally in entrance of an empty stadium after the match had been postponed in March that yr due to Covid-19.
That main victory on the street in entrance of a capability crowd stays elusive.
Fresh faces make distinction
Wales coach Pivac received his techniques and adjustments proper as he gave a debut to Ospreys flanker Jac Morgan whereas Ross Moriarty was additionally recalled within the again row alongside Taine Basham.
Centre Owen Watkin changed the injured Josh Adams, whereas wing Alex Cuthbert made a primary Six Nations look in 5 years rather than Johnny McNicholl on the wing.
Scotland made 5 adjustments, with injured flanker Jamie Ritchie dominated out for the event and changed by Exeter ahead Sam Skinner.
The entrance row swapped utterly, with Pierre Schoeman, Stuart McInally and WP Nel beginning, whereas centre Sione Tuipulotu was additionally chosen.
Lock Grant Gilchrist led the aspect out on his fiftieth cap and it was Matt Fagerson who led an early cost for Scotland.
Full-back Liam Williams turned the ball over and launched Watkin, Biggar and Tomos Williams for an incisive counter-assault.
It was solely halted when Scotland captain Hogg knocked the ball ahead. Australia referee Nic Berry determined it was not deliberate, which might have resulted in a yellow card for the visiting full-again.
Scotland have been penalised on the ensuing scrum with Biggar slotting over the penalty and shortly doubled the lead.
Lions wing Duhan van der Merwe launched the assault for the Scotland riposte with Graham reaping the profit on the alternative wing after being the beneficiary of an extended Russell cross.
Graham produced an outstanding end in the correct nook after shrugging off the tried deal with of Louis Rees-Zammit.
Russell missed the conversion, however slotted over two penalties with the hosts punished for the sort of indiscipline that was additionally seen in Dublin.
Wales retaliated with a sustained assault that culminated in a 3rd Biggar penalty earlier than Russell responded with three factors after excellent breakdown work from Hamish Watson.
A looking out 50:22 attacking kick from Liam Williams offered the platform for prop Francis to ultimately burrow over to depart the half-time rating at 14-14.
Scotland, who have been additionally warned for his or her unwell-self-discipline, misplaced Fagerson to harm with Magnus Bradbury changing the quantity eight.
Honours even
The guests introduced on a brand new entrance row of George Turner, Rory Sutherland and Zander Fagerson because the second half began in cagey trend.
Russell broke the deadlock with a penalty after Wales transgressed at a ruck.
Williams offered an impudent flick cross in his 22 earlier than Biggar, who was battling on with a leg harm, levelled the scores together with his fourth penalty.
In a raft of replacements, Aaron Wainwright and Dillon Lewis changed Moriarty and Francis, whereas Scotland flanker Rory Darge made his debut from the bench.
Wales scrum-half Williams was changing into more and more influential together with his sniping breaks, earlier than drama ensued after a Biggar penalty try.
The ball hit the bar and was gathered by Cuthbert earlier than the wing nearly scored within the left-hand nook.
That was dominated out after the Wales wing was bundled into contact earlier than scoring, however Russell was proven a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on earlier within the transfer.
Centre Jonathan Davies acquired an enormous roar as he entered the sphere for his a hundredth worldwide when he got here on as a substitute for Nick Tompkins.
Biggar then nudged Wales forward with a drop-purpose as he ignored a penalty benefit and the prospect of going for a attempt to declare the three factors.
It proved the correct determination. A frantic finale noticed Taine Basham give away a late penalty for a excessive deal with however the flanker averted any additional sanction.
Scotland have been compelled to chase victory from their very own line however Wales’ dogged defence stood agency.
Wales: L. Williams; Cuthbert, Watkin, Tompkins (J Davies, 69), Rees-Zammit; Biggar (capt; Sheedy, 79), T. Williams; W. Jones (G Thomas, 65), Elias (Lake, 65), Francis (Lewis, 59), Rowlands (S Davies, 75), Beard, Basham, Morgan, Moriarty (Wainwright, 57).
Replacements: Lake, G. Thomas, Lewis, S. Davies, Wainwright, G. Davies, Sheedy, J. Davies
Scotland: Hogg (capt); Graham, Harris, Tuipulotu, Van der Merwe (Redpath, 79); Russell, Price (White, 62); Schoeman (Turner, 44), McInally (Sutherland, 44), Nel (Z. Fagerson, 44), Gray (Darge, 62), Gilchrist, Skinner, Watson, M. Fagerson (Bradbury, 31)
Replacements: Turner, Sutherland, Z. Fagerson, Bradbury, Darge, White, Kinghorn, Redpath
Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)
Touch judges: Wayne Barnes (England) & Chris Busby (Ireland)
TMO: Brett Cronan (Australia)
