Scotland bounced back from their Calcutta Cup disappointment at Twickenham despite a rousing fightback by Six Nations whipping boys Wales on a high-scoring afternoon at Murrayfield. Having put themselves 35-8 up with less than half an hour to play, Gregor Townsend’s men flirted with disaster as they allowed Wales to score three unanswered tries in a match that finished 35-29.
Yet the Scots, who ran in five tries to Wales’ four, were never in danger of losing. Not really. And their near-collapse came when most of their starters were resting up ahead of France next week.
Blair Kinghorn and Tom Jordan bagged two tries apiece, with Darcy Graham also scoring on his return to the side after injury. But this was a day when Finn Russell, once again, stole the show.
Perfect with the boot, a real boost after the agonies of his last outing, the stand-out stand-off in this Six Nations laid waste to the tournament’s weakest side. And did it all with the sort of insouciance that may well have France just a little bit worried ahead of next weekend.
Against a Wales side who had lost 15 straight tests, including nine Six Nations matches on the bounce, Scotland could afford to gift the visitors a 3-0 lead inside the opening two minutes – sloppy play at the breakdown leading to a penalty – without fearing the worst. They took just three minutes to respond.
Kinghorn’s finish in the left corner was as elite as the build-up play, the Scots retaining possession and switching play with aplomb. Jordan going over for the first of his tries five minutes later, with big assists from Duhan van der Merwe and Huw Jones, put the Scots in total control at 14-3 up.
Murray’s try for Wales closed the gap but Graham touching down from a bit of Russell shake-and-bake trickery with ball in hand, followed by a yellow card for the visitors and try number four for the home side as Jordan capitalised on Welsh adventurism inside their own 22, made it 28-8 to the hosts before the first half was even done.
Kinghorn found the perfect angle to go over from a Russell pass eight minutes into the second half, as the Scots stretched their lead to 27 points. But Wales showed no little spirit to capitalise on Scottish changes, with touchdowns from Thomas, Williams and Llewellyn making this closer than it needed to be.
5. 5 Grant Gilchrist 7/10
Edinburgh second row was dominant where it mattered. On a day when so many in dark blue sparkled, though, the locks know their job is just to stay steady. If they get a chance to knock a few Welshmen on their backsides, all the better. | Getty Images
6. 6 Jamie Ritchie 7/10
Absolutely ferocious at the breakdown, the back row brough his usual aggression and accuracy to bear. Wales could not cope with him. | Getty Images
7. 7 Rory Darge 6.5/10
Frustrating afternoon for the open-side flanker and vice-captain, who limped out of action – replaced by Matt Fagerson – with five minutes of the first half remaining. Just as he was beginning to enjoy himself, too. | SNS Group / SRU
8. 8 Jack Dempsey 7.5/10
Really caught the eye with ball in hand. And proved to be a significant disruptor to Welsh ambitions when the visitors even thought about rallying. | PA