Wales v Scotland

It was to be expected. The Scots were out of the blocks, points to prove and points to score. A flat fizzer from from Finn Russell put Jonny Grey on the outside and after swatting Gareth Davies, the lock went full trundle for the line, only to be dragged down by Rhys Patchell. Scotland’s expansive attack picking up from where they left off in the November. Ominous. Fortunately for Wales, their own autumn star, Josh Navidi, had a spring in his step and pilfered a penalty at a subsequent ruck. Phew.

Had the Scots bothered the scorers on this early trip deep into Welsh territory then maybe we watch a different test match unfold. Maybe.

As it were, a super read from Gareth Davies allowed him to pluck out a Scottish pass before its intended recipient and dash up the travelator to open Wales’ account. Geronimo.

Minutes later, with Wales on the brink, Steff Evans failed to hold an Alun-Wyn offload. This time it was phew for the men in blue.

At the ensuing scrum, Ali Price failed in his duty to deliver a ‘credible’ feed, and after momentary relief, the cosh was once more weighing on Gregor Townsend’s men. The second invite was gladly received, Halfpenny scuttled over out wide, before removing his hat and nudging the extras.

The margins by which it was achieved were fine, but nonetheless the buffer was fourteen with less than fifteen on the clock. Not the expected beginning to a much anticipated narrative. Scotland were chasing. This heightens pressure on skills, decision making and will often force deviation from planned processes. As it played out, they simply didn’t possess the accuracy or variation in attack to trouble a Welsh defence that had done its homework and exuded discipline. That said, I’m sure missing out on the donut would have rankled with the Wiganer in the Welsh coaching box.

Warren Gatland’s men were buoyed by the early scores, which vindicated a playing style that was more in tune with that mythical, ‘Welsh way’. A style that is infinitely easier to deploy when confidence runs high, and what better for confidence than two early tries. 

Wales kicked on from the good start and were good for the margin by which they won. The ball movement was exuberant, pragmatic and accurate. Those tasked with plugging the injury gaps were able to transfer regional form to the test arena in a manner that made a mockery of Gatland’s comments regarding the enormity of that chasm.

On to round two, HQ - Twickers. Wales will need to take all the good things from round one and crank them up a few notches, should they wish to overcome, Eddie’s winning machine. They are ruthless. Should be decent.