Scotland v Wales Six Nations Rugby

Torres might have departed but only slightly less destructive relatives

are still hanging around in Edinburgh as the Six Nations

continues to take the rugby world by storm. Stunning confrontations in

two weeks ago mean the third round of matches have a lot to live up to.

It makes the Six Nations. But nothing is given away lightly, you

have to work for everything. And this. Three tries for CJ Stander,

nine in total, the first bonus point, the hat-trick. This was too

easy. Too hard to take. Not much fear that easy would be an overused

word in Cardiff. Someone could take it easy. But in the main, this was

best viewed on the edge of your seat. Short of the line. Never short

on drama. The ferocity of Moriarty. The face of Dan Biggar. The race of

Dan Biggar. Incoming, the pace of Elliot Daly. The narrowing of the

gap, the growing tension, the clearance. The pace of Elliot Daly.

It is the making of the Six Nations but it is not easy.

And if you do make scoring look easy. Stuart Hogg, there might be a

Price. Laidlaw. Leading to the impact of the bench. Groundhog Day.

The waiting game. Impact off the bench, Tim Swinson, but nothing is

easy. And the breaking of the Scottish blockade. Groundhog Day?

Not this time. Done the hard way. While both Scotland and Wales

respond to those agonising and physically bruising defeats two

weeks ago might be the key factor in determining today's outcome. A

pivotal match for both, defeat and all hopes of being involved in the

title checkdown are gone for another season and this is one of the Six

Nations' remarkable statistics that Wales are going for a tenth

consecutive victory against Scotland- that kind of run has to

end some time. Or maybe not. England will expect to be three from three

after tomorrow with Italy but it is for the chasing pack today to prove

they are in the hunt. The winners here at Murrayfield and at the Aviva

Stadium will still be in contention. Come the end of this weekend. I

shall start by telling you about the weather, it is milder than we

expected but the wind still could have a considerable bearing on the

outcome. Even though our position is sheltered beneath the roof and on

the pitch, we could have costs of 40 mph this afternoon and you would

think that at key moments, that could have some bearing on the game.

Irrespective of that, this is a big game for both sides so good after

mean to Jonathan, Keith and Andy. This has been an encouraging start,

the middle game, at the end of this game, if either side has played,

happy and confident, they will move on and whoever loses his art. If

that happens for Scotland, the trip to Twickenham is very difficult and

it ominously looks like the years gone by. The Scotland side are

better than that. For the Welsh, is two weeks ago cause for optimism

going forward or regret? I think optimism, it was a great performance

against a very good England side but the way they did not close down,

there is regret also. Big game today. And for the neutral corner?

They played incredibly well, both sides, two weeks ago, this is set up

for an absolute belter. We don't want to Labour the point but if you

look at the records over the past decade, Ronnie Scott 's perspective

it has been ten years of despair and for Wales, ten years after light. --

from the Scottish perspective. Scotland hoping to end the hideous

run in this fixture. My gosh! Hold it down! Through for the try!

Williams, the try scorer, does it again. My gosh! What I try for

George Lamb! Shane Williams has won the most dramatic game. You have

seen your fair share of Scotland and Wales matches, what will your side

be targeting? Our challenge is to bring intensity and execution, which

we showed two weeks ago and unfortunately we lost the last game

so it is being accurate when we have the ball and putting Scotland under

pressure. It is great to see the conditions this afternoon, slightly

drier and the wind is obviously quite low. When you have a

performance like Wales against England and don't get the result,

what is the overriding emotion? Deflated? Or has this spurred them

on? You look forward to the next challenge and for us, it is

replicating the intensity under pressure and looking forward to

this, Scotland at home is always a challenge, we spoke about

experience, we have a strong bench and a lot of confidence and self

belief coming here to Murrayfield. It is the pressure to replicate

that. Is more pressure today? This is much you must win to keep any

championship aspirations you might still have a live? Pivotal for both

sides. Whoever loses, you are out of the championship. We have not spoken

about that. We have a lot of experience and this is a challenge

to play and enjoy because international rugby is about

enjoyment but skills under pressure will be the key. Over the years this

game has a history of fantastic tries here, 40 years ago, Phil

Bennett scoring that wonderful try just down there. But you must make

the most possession and if you look at those statistics so far this

year, Wales are not really doing that? They are trying to develop the

game and change their style of play but with attack, they have lots of

possession and territory, they go through the phases but unfortunately

the end result is not as good as they want. If you look at the amount

of possession, 23, twice as much as England and with the total amount of

rucks, they are way behind everyone and that is lacking. Everything else

is going well- possession, territory, momentum, but you must

score points and that is a problem. That is the swaying, Scotland have

improved because of that, scoring more tries. They have to improve on

their try scoring ratio when they have momentum. One of the big

talking points after two weeks ago was Moriarty being taken off. It is

easy to say if only, what was your view? I note the noises that came

out of the Welsh management was he had emptied the tank, GPS data and

this was as far as he had gone but he was having an amazing game, the

great work he was doing, the pure level of those hits he was involved

with, every second. Heavy carrying jets but his speed from the floor

was amazing and every time he had an impact it told, it shook up the

crowd and England with a couple of really good double-team jets in here

and this lovely one that I like... Towards the end of this. That extra

evil. He was involved in every single part of a very good

first-half. I like this one, two great players, having some extra,

but little push and tapping on the head, did not like that. Somebody

missing two weeks ago which might have determined the outcome was

George North, back today. If you scored he would be the first player

in history to score in six consecutive Six Nations matches. 24

years old. 66 caps. You can question some of the Scotland structure and

defence but not his pace and balance and the strength he has and his

power. This was number five in that consecutive list. Two weeks ago.

Three weeks ago. You can see his leg, it was strapped, he is a real

threat and these are just two examples, the threat comes from all

different distances, passing on his own line, he can run the distance.

Once upon a time 42 years ago, 140,000 people were packed into

Murrayfield to see this fixture. And as ever, there is a huge Welsh

contingent on the streets of Edinburgh and a lot of them here

without tickets. For the Scottish fans who have been invigorated by

recent performances, this is a day for their team and their coach to

rewrite history. You had your hand forced slightly with selection for

this match with so many injuries after the French game. Are you

confident in this side and that they can reverse their fortunes? Training

has been going well, we had a good week, Gray has not been available

with injury. We would have to see who was going to be on the team

sheet. There has been great energy at training. And it is time for the

other players to step up. John and the people around him. We're pretty

confident playing at home, we don't want to be overconfident because we

need to do things well playing a good team but there is real

excitement. How has Ali Price been feeling? Big day for him? Yes, Jonny

Gray is calling the line-outs, they know each other. They are

combination. His first start. He has been very good this week and he has

been part of the strategy group trying to get this organised and he

is really looking forward to it. A variety of players missing from the

Scotland side, notably Greg Laidlaw. And their captain. Ali Price wearing

number nine. Is Greg a big loss? Price has had a great season for

Glasgow with two caps from the bench but this is different, starting.

Going to bed last night, he will have known he was starting, he has

played this 100 times but he brings some pace and spark. This is what he

has been doing for Glasgow all season, he has that attacking

threat. Real pace from real distance and he has confidence and exuberance

about him. I want to see that spark today. This is what we do not want.

Coming from the bench, tries to make the impact, tempestuous, he needs to

have his temperament correct today, to bring that place, quick

penalties, everything he did for Glasgow, the reason he has been

selected. But just how that cool thinking in his head. I think that

he makes Glasgow take. Russell will have to take control of that.

Because Laidlaw is not there. But his agent is and you do not mess

with him! Nobody messes with Jason White. Not

just a lot of caps, several hats as well. On the point of view of

great's agent, what is the promises? He had the operation on his

ligaments so Greg is at home recovering, looking after his oldest

boy and he is driving him up the wall! His recovery time should be

around ten weeks and back playing before the end of the season. Great

news. From the Scotland captaincy had, what must Barclay bring extra

to this match that he has not had to do without the captaincy? Those

extra elements, small work with Ali Price today,, but the most important

thing about being captain is you play your own game to the best of

your ability and I am confident John will do that. Pivotal match for both

sides, winning one and losing one, we have been watching the team's

training, we had a nervous moment with Scotland, it did look like

Gordon Reid had taken a bit of a knock? They are making sure they're

ready for it. It looks like he perhaps twisted his ankle and he

went for a walk and he looks like he is OK, hopefully he can join the

team and that will be the key thing because it front row, the Glasgow

front row, they need to improve upon their last performances to give us

that scrum ball to let boys like Stuart Hogg get involved. Thank you.

The front row will be the key element and we might not have a

knock. Keith, this is your area. Talk to us about the penalty

Scotland have been giving away in a front row and how key that battle

will be? And believable, giving away eight penalties in the front row and

if you look at Fagerson, on the right-hand side of the Scottish

scrum, he has just too high. Legs too far back. There is the push and

Ireland pushing across and targeting him. The reverse here, he is too

low, his legs are too far back, this is a technical piece that needs to

be done, he needs his right leg under his hip and in that position

he has a chance to be in control and he is just young and he is trying to

learn on and international arena. Against Ireland, he did not have any

influence, only six scrums, against France it had a material impact with

six penalties and you are giving away possession and territory and

you must work very hard to get the ball back. Scotland have played the

best scrums in this Six Nations, they will have a platform. It must

be on the Wales game plan, scrum is a weakness and we must target that

and we go with the best goal kickers in the world, three, six, nine, 12,

build performance and points. Goal-kicking, in the absence of

Laidlaw, Finn Russell has not done much of that internationally but he

has a 50% record. And given the swirling conditions, this could be a

very tight match, that could be a very important factor. To give him

credit, 80% with Glasgow but Laidlaw is 90%. It might come down to the

goal-kicking but Russell has got temperament, if he misses, it will

not affect his game. He will be OK. With any certainty, I can say this,

without fear of contradiction, there will be no repeat of what happened

in this match when Wales played Scotland in 1963. There were 111

line-outs! That will not happen this afternoon. We have blue skies and

pyrotechnics. And the wind seems to be abating. Like France against

Ireland, when the conditions gave us the opportunity for a fantastic

match, we might get a repeat of that this afternoon and it is worth

saying, by half-time in Dublin later on, we will have reached the halfway

point in this championship and by then, one of the sides will be in

contention and the other will be blown off course for another season.

After two captivating weekends, what does the third instalment of the Six

Nations have in store? The teams are lining up. Nvidia is to ask Andy and

Jonathan what will happen, Keith, the verdict? I would like to seeing

Scotland doing it. I am married to a Scottish woman. But I think Wales by

a couple of points. Martyn Williams, Chris Paterson and Eddie Butler

follow the anthems. # Mae hen wlad fy nhadau

yn annwyl i mi # Gwlad beirdd a chantorion,

enwogion o fri # Ei gwrol ryfelwyr,

gwladgarwyr tra mad Good afternoon from Murrayfield,

John Barclay leading Scotland for the first time from the start of the

game. The new captain and a new spirit alive here at Murrayfield.

Gordon Reid says this pack has to stand up today, nobody will make

more tackles than Gray brothers as nobody knows more about Wales and

the captain, John Barclay, of the Scarlets. Stuart Hogg scoring in the

last 46 Nations games, Alex Dunbar has the same number of turnovers,

although with no Laidlaw, can Russell kick his? The same Wales

pack that started against England, the outstanding Ross Moriarty, Jake

Ball in the second role. -- second row. And the same three quarters

except for George North, tries in the last five Six Nations games for

North, six of them would be a record. Ross Ford has more caps,

104, and the rest of the Scottish bench put together. Charteris,

Faletau and Roberts have 221 between them. The referee is John Lacey from

Ireland, the ball has been delivered by the Royal Marines, who abseiled

from the west stand. Special delivery of the ball. Scotland in

their huddle, can they keep the spirit of factory over Ireland in

round one against Wales? Both sides have played two, losing one and

winning one. To have any tilt at the title, they need to win today.

Finn Russell starting Scotland at home against Wales. Jonathan Davies.

Catching for Wales on the edge of his own 22. Owens, the figure. --

the hooker. Dan Biggar. Penalty against Scotland, onside. Good

afternoon, Chris Paterson. Looking forward to this one. That was a well

taken kick-off by Jonathan Davies, Wales looked very comfortable.

Interesting to see the first tackle made by John Hardie, fully recovered

from Paris. Dan Biggar keeping an eye on the flags over the stadium,

the wind was due to drop and it has. It is behind Wales. In this first

half. Biggar next 1-yard against Hardie. Over the halfway line. The

first set piece from Scotland. Finn Russell made that tackle, you will

know Dan Biggar very well. The line speed under pressure was there. Very

physical. Fraser Brown is causing a mess, sloppy line-up from Wales.

Fascinating battle between the flankers. Four openside flankers,

that contact area is the key. Scotland have given away more

penalties at the scrum than any other country.

Ali Price. He came early in Paris for Greg Laidlaw. Penalty to

Scotland. They have given away all of their penalties, Scotland, on the

opposition ball, with their own ball, they have not been stable but

have not given away penalties. Fantastic start, I got Stuart Hogg

would have a crack. The referee's Jersey is flapping. The wind

swirling at Murrayfield. It has not affected that kick. That is a good

start from Scotland. He is getting talking to buy John Lacey. --

getting a talking to from John Lacey. Fraser Brown, the attacking

Scotland line-out to aim at. Gray setting up the driving maul. Ali

Price. He is told to use it. The door closed on him quickly. Ken

Owens with the tackle. Good work from the Scottish forwards, they

have committed a lot of forwards to the ruck but there is the ball, on

the edge of the Wales 22. Forced back out of the 22, still

therefore Scotland. Jonny Gray, again. Finn Russell. Stuart Hogg

waiting outside Hardie. Jones on the burst. Great passing out of contact

by Scotland, Stuart Hogg to the ground.

Number 8 Ryan Wilson drives it up. Richie Gray. Tackled by Alun Wyn

Jones, among others. Penalty advantage being played for Scotland.

Russell. Again it's a good tackle by Ken Owens, but back to the original

penalty. Good start and attack. Very tight. Scotland didn't go wide until

they got some momentum. Jonny Gray got the advantage. Fin Russell set

it out wide. -- Finn. Goes for the strip of the ball which he does so

well. When you miss the man, as he does on this occasion, he goes

through. Hardie goes for the strip, misses it. Got to get the man down

to the ground early. Great start from Scotland. Finn Russell, simple

kick. He had one of these in Paris. It was a conversion. This,

Scotland's first penalty. It's over and that will make Finn Russell feel

very good. Good pressure from Scotland earlier on.

Did well to keep composure. You have been out there in that horribly

exposed position of being the kicker. That is why you practise.

One who missed one right in front of the post, I know his pain!

Here is Russell. And here is his opposite number, Dan Biggar.

Jake Ball, did a lot of the heavy work against England. Alun Wyn Jones

in midfield. Tackling is ferocious. Scott Williams.

Ken Owens. Ross Moriarty. First glimpse of the Gloucester back row

forward. Rob Evans took it well. Scott Williams again. Leigh

Halfpenny. The ball comes out to Liam Williams.

The turnover is good says the referee. Scotland steal the ball.

Jake Ball slow to get back into position.

Heavy duty carrying. Zander Fagerson. Ali Price takes

responsibility for the clearance. Leigh Halfpenny makes sure it goes

out. Try good clearance work by Scotland. Not a lot of forgot work

at the moment from the attacker. Alun Wyn Jones off the ball, from

there Scotland found the touch. Good work by Gordon Reid. Penalty to

Wales. Tipuric there came to the ground.

Biggar looking to get as far into the 22 as he can. Why would Wales do

that, Martyn? Just done a lot over the last two games, it's been a

success, very good line out players. That's the reason why you could be

exposed in wide areas, but so far in the Six Nations, the backs have done

their job. Tipuric is the dummy jumper that time. Wyn Jones in the

middle. Wales try to set up the drive. Tipuric sets it up.

Warburton. Continues the move. Penalty advantage to Wales.

Knock on advantage. Rhys Webb. Ten metres short of the line.

There is the prize. Jake Ball. Sam Warburton over the ball protects it.

It's gone loose. Williams has to go back. No advantage. Penalty to

Wales. Two penalties in the build-up there. The second one close to the

line. Rhys Webb was looking to keep the Scottish defender off. Rhys Webb

took a half gap and burst through. He's so dangerous Rhys Webb, this is

trademark, you know it's coming as a forward, but he's so difficult to

defend, powerful and explosive off the mark. He gives a little look and

he's off. That's your man, Rhys Webb, you have to stick to him until

the ball's gone. Slightly longer but that's only the

22. We are all square at Murrayfield.

The penalty by Leigh Halfpenny of Toulon. Three apiece.

Rob Howley in the suit, Sean Edwards in front of him. High kick. Liam

Williams waits. Stuart Hogg. Scotland will take their time. Good

kick by Williams. There is a swirling wind up this west side of

the stand. Good length and it was cleared almost up to the Scotland

ten metre line. It's exactly what you are looking for after you have

scored points. Fraser Brown again. John Barclay. This time Wales take

the jumper out in the air. You can't help yourself sometimes. Jake Ball

that time's gone for the ball. Sometimes as well, it's the guys

lifting the man that perhaps don't support the man as well as they

should. It's an easy point. A scruffy one.

Penalty advantage not taken by Scotland. It's a 22 drop out for

Wales. A lot of penalties in the first 12

minutes, six penalties in the first 13 minutes. Hasn't really got any

momentum in the game yet, it's very stop-start. Finn Russell. This time

it's Wales taking their time. Dan Biggar goes back. He's going to belt

this down field, down wind. Russell. Ryan Wilson. Good charge by

Wilson. Scotland on the move. Jonny Gray. In the Welsh half now.

Fraser Brown. Russell. Barclay out in the three quarters. Wales trying

to hold him up. Richie Gray. Just scrambles an extra

yard. Ali Price. Tim Visser gives away the penalty

and you can hear what the crowd thinks of that. I'll ask Martyn what

he thinks but I think it's a mistiming. The ball's caught in that

swirling wind and I think it's a fair competition for the ball, gets

his timing wrong. I agree, in real time it looked like a fake contest

from Visser. Yes, he's gone up early. The fact that Ali Price has

the kick, as you say, does that. It's a harsh penalty. That's not a

penalty in my book. He's gone up before him, gone up early. Biggar's

thrown his arms. Wyn Jones well picked up. Tipuric

tries to tidy up. It's still there for Wales but they have to fight

hard for possession. Slow possession so up towards Stuart Hogg. Jon than

Davies. -- Jonathan Davies. Scrum-half Price. To Leigh

Halfpenny. Taken by Halfpenny. Under pressure. Distribution from

the second row. Ross Moriarty gets up, has a second drive. Biggar.

Scott Williams. George North. Wales trying the passing game out of

contact. Surrendered possession. Finn Russell spots Brown behind

Halfpenny. Halfpenny goes back and watches it go over for a 22 drop

out. Leigh Halfpenny... Oh, this is a little bit of action off the ball.

Russell getting himself involved with Halfpenny. What is it with you

Scottish half-backs? Born angry. John Lacey is going to calm them

down. Never short of a word or two Dan Biggar. Some of the hits in

midfield, John haardy put one on Scott Williams,. .

Wales claim the turnover and they earn the

Textbook Sam Warburton, he's sniffed that, he's just run behind the

tackle area and he's seen a little glimpse of light and gone in. What

is incredible, Sam Warburton's speed, he identifies it and

accelerates it. It's the body height as well and once he's over the ball,

you've got no chance. Break from Warburton. Forcing the

pass from Dan Biggar trying to get that one extra pass. Good invention.

Alun Wyn Jones wins the lineout. Away comes Moriarty. Rhys Webb. Liam

Williams. Well read by Finn Russell. Webb. Support from Tipuric. Webb

doesn't need him for the moment. Good writingen by Halfpenny out of

the tackle. Scotland work themselves into a turnover situation. There is

so much competition. Kicks are being put under pressure. This is a

wonderful take by Leigh Halfpenny. Fights to stay in the field. He

knows he's isolated. He buys a bit of time and space for himself. Class

play by Leigh Halfpenny. The one thing that will frustrate the

Scottish defence, the number of time the line's been broken. Rhys Webb's

already had two breaks in there. Rob Evans has been in there as well. The

first place you want to shore up... Is it not the case that John haardy

was brought in to shore up that area of play, but if he's injured now, it

will compromise them there? After the big hit on Scott Williams, he's

struggling. His leg or knee is struggling. At this level, you

can't, if you are carrying an injury, you just find out so easily.

Hamish Watson, they have one of the players ready to come off the bench.

Very similar player to John haardy. John haardy is tough as they come

but he's struggling. His right knee. Hamish Watson's already made the

replacement, he's come on and make an impact. Gordon Reid also having

treatment. He looks all right. Up from Price again. This time it comes

back but into touch. You can see the kicking ploys. Everything is

contestable. They are looking to kick to win the position. Wales

reduce the numbers in the lineout. Sam Warburton twos out into the

three quarters. Alun Wyn Jones wins. New variation from Wales to try and

push Scotland back a little bit. Webb's kick.

Tim Visser waits and catches. Under pressure from George North who holds

him up. Two pretty big wingers against each other there, Chris.

Safer hitting here I think. Good work by George North because Wales

get it. Tim Visser is a big, strong man. The kick was a little too long

to give Tim Visser time to catch. Held up with the help of Biggar.

Moriarty is in there. Wins a turnover.

Rob Evans in there helping out. The players want to work together. Just

looking at John haardy arriving there. He could hardly add any

weight -- haardy. He's down again. Like Chris said, they have a

ready-made replacement. John haardy was only probably going to play for

part of the game anyway, they'll strap him up, a few pain-killers and

keep him on as long as he can carry on. He's been absolutely superb in

the opening two rounds. John haardy is destructive, so tough and so

hard. This is where haardy picks up the knock. It was this one, a big

tackle as well on Rob Evans. Looks like a contact injury which is

better than a strain or a twist. Could be a dead leg. It was his

right knee but he's certainly struggling. He's going to take his

place in the back row. Hamish Watson is has already got his tracksuit

off. Chance for Wales. Williams. First

try of the game. Liam Williams is a man on fire. He's

added another try. This was all about the question thinking of Rhys

Webb and the excuse of passing. Every ball out in front. Liam

Williams can finish it. Rhys Webb has already taken a quick tap. Pass

from Biggar and Williams. The time and accuracy from Leigh Halfpenny,

perfect for William's scores in the left hand corner. All about Rhys

Webb. Narrow in defence Scotland. Haardy there on the replay. Taken

out by Stuart Hogg. Liam Williams, the try scorer. Leigh Halfpenny from

wide out and just behind him, here he is, John haardy will play no

further part in the game. Hamish Watson is poised to come on. -- John

haardy. Beautifully struck by Leigh Halfpenny. Five become seven.

Scotland 3, Wales 10. Scotland's defence doesn't have time to get

organised from the free kick at the scrum. Good start for Wales. Finn

Russell towards the try scorer. Liam Williams is off again.

Biggar takes up position behind Rhys Webb. Stuart Hogg catches. Inside to

Russell who reaches well. And runs well. And passes well and the catch

by Tommy Boyd is not made. Quickly taken. No, no, they'll come back.

Tommy Seymour. This is a counterattack from Finn Russell as

he looks for space on the right. Knocked on by Tommy Seymour. Down on

the ground, Jason White. It's been fascinating to watch the

Battle of The second rows today. Richie and Jonny Gray for Scotland,

huge involvement. The summer tour to New Zealand, they'll all be vying

for that. How today goes will have a key bearing. Rhys Webb. Liam

Williams cuts back inside. Rob Evans in support. Held off the ball. Will

it go to a review? I think it will. Rhys Webb, that man again but he's

so cute here, I don't think the referee will pick up on this. As

he's passed the ball, Seymour is back.

Rhys Webb, the man who picked up the scintillating break. To the naked

eye, it looked as though he reached out a hand on Tommy Seymour. We'll

have a look here. The pass is good. Then we'll look at Rhys Webb. Webb

is dictating. Very, very subtle. It's that area again. .

Alun Wyn Jones has a counterargument but the penalty against Rhys Webb is

given. A little shake of the head but he knows. In the good old days

you would have gotten away with that one. Clever play by Rhys Webb.

Banana kick from Finn Russell. Instead of facing a conversion, now

just outside the Welsh 22. Great ball to the lineout for Ken Owens.

Wyn Jones makes a space then he knows where he's going. Points to

Liam Williams. I believe there is a reach with the left hand to Tommy

Seymour. And the penalty was given. Fraser Brown.

Ali Price. Rob Evans scrapping away for the ball.

High tackle given against Sam Warburton. He wanted to get his arms

around the ball carrier and hold him up. Good tackle by Dan Biggar but

still advantage Scotland. Good pass to Stuart Hogg. Halfpenny goes back.

Hogg in hot pursuit. Claimed the try. He has a smil about

it all. Back to the penalty. Warburton and Price. He's gone high.

Yes. If you are a bigger man around that

area you are going to get penalised. How well has Leigh Halfpenny done

there under a huge amount of pressure. Stuart Hogg, even to get

himself on the end of that hip shows how quickly he is, but he knows

exactly what he was doing. Two competitors playing really well

there. Scotland celebrate. The gap is

reduced to four points. Vern Cotter doesn't give much away, the big New

Zealander, but his side are up to six, Wales on ten.

Jonny Gray. This is the new player on the field, Hamish Watson. He's

done ever so well to stay in field there because for a moment it looked

as though... In fact he is in touch. There's a little bit of drama going

on. The scrum-half starts it then walks away. Watch Rhys Webb, he

started, he's out of shot now he's gone.

Where is the little imp? He's nowhere there. Out of sight.

Just seeing the physicality of the Welsh backs, with Scott Williams,

that was a good carry, here we go. Karcher rucking by Scotland and they

turned the ball over. Dan Biggar. Hamish Watson as well to turn out of

that tackle. Russell. -- does well. Ali Price has to deal with the slow

ball. Sam Warburton tried to buy the penalty. The referee having none of

it. Slow for Price. Tim Visser finding Richie Gray in

support. Still the Scottish advantage, Wales

have slowed things down and themselves a penalty, just when

Scotland were airing the overlap. In front of the posts, quite a way out.

It seemed suspect, Sam Warburton and Justin Tipuric working well

together, Scotland had the overlap. John Lacey having a word with the

skipper. Warburton and Tipuric working well together, watch the

speed of Justin Tipuric, from ground to feed. Winning that space. Gets

his hands on the ball, excellent play. Brilliant late, great weapon

Scott Williams, Scotland short of the line, it was Fraser Brown, he

went into contact. One penalty, one conversion

to his name, Leigh Halfpenny, this is the second penalty attempt.

Turned immediately, Leigh Halfpenny. He likes what is on the scoreboard.

Scotland six, Wales 13. Beautifully taken by Tommy Boyd.

Wales were building the wall in front of him and he ignored all of

them. Scotland are on the move. The Gray brothers waiting for the

passes, Johnny, first. Russell. Dunbar. Driving up. Quicker ball for

Scotland. John Barclay. He cannot get very far. Jonny Gray cannot get

far. Brilliant tackle from Alun-Wyn and Sam Warburton. And the tackling

is just spectacular. Incredible. So often Jonny May runs very hard, he

has been hit by his opposite number. This is a massive collision

midfield. Tipuric is there, as always, but look at that collision

and the leg drive, driving Jonny Gray back. You don't often see that.

The Wales defence has been outstanding, look at that. The only

space Scotland have found is on the outside edge, through the middle it

is formidable. The back five are so formidable, losing the kick-off from

Seymour, still hurting from that and that is a great response. I think

the physicality of the Welsh, they just have the edge. But try set up

by the quick thinking of Rhys Webb. The long pass from Scott Williams,

Leigh Halfpenny with the final delivery. To Williams. Every pass is

perfect. The purists will be so proud of that, Alex King works in

attack and will be supplied with that pass. It had to be because

Stuart Hogg was coming across. In a simple game we often overlook

obligate things, no dummy runners, just brilliant passing and execution

from their Welsh backline. Apologies to Justin Tipuric, he was in the

tackle with Alun Wyn Jones,. Rob Evans against Fagerson. Only the

third scrum, they first two was the penalty to Scotland and the free

kick to Wales, they have been messy. We have not had too many of those

this afternoon. Feet to fire back? They lost their

feet, Ferguson and Gordon Reid and subconsciously for John Lacey, he

won in Scotland have been struggling in the opening games, with penalties

on the opposition ball. -- he will know that Scotland. John Barclay.

Ken Owens throwing, Justin Tipuric gets that to Rhys Webb. To Scott

Williams. Webb again, this time orthodox. Biggar, Williams into

midfield. The penalty to Wales, Scotland cannot work the turnover.

Jones. Giving away the penalty. Bev Jones is penalised, it would be

interesting to see this, never running away from a tackle. John

Barclay was OK and Bev Jones, you have to get out of the way. -- and

with Jones. Jones with the tackle. BBC just how quickly... That was a

good call. And quite work from the Welsh number two, he cannot move,

Barclay would have thought he was all over that to win the penalty.

How annoying is it when the opposite scrum half gives you that pat on the

head? Pleasant fellows, scrum half! The tackling in the first-half, that

is ticking the box for Wales, it has caused France trouble. Wales at the

tackle, Scotland at the breakdown. They have turned Wales over here on

several occasions. For the moment, Leigh Halfpenny, shortly after

putting Wales ahead. This, with half-time beckoning. That was a wild

less by his standards. -- miss. Very unusual to see Leigh Halfpenny doing

that. But was a big kick to put Wales in front. Towards Williams.

Hogg coming forward. Chasing Liam Williams.

Fraser Brown led that. And Finn Russell, going aerial again, Dan

Biggar had time to catch. George North. But was put out of touch. And

that was not the plan. Scotland take this quickly, in the hands of Stuart

Hogg. Huw Jones! George North could not break the tackle. Scotland is

flooding the breakdown. It has been slow and turned over by Wales. Add

Rhys Webb will take the kick. You have Jonathan Davies behind him.

Like the last minute against England, Jonathan Davies again. And

he finds touch this week. I thought they would have two phases but that

time the coaches will be delighted. What about this counterattack?

Stuart Hogg so dangerous, the Welsh defenders know that, just dropping

that, beautiful kick for Tommy Seymour to get there. I thought Huw

Jones would have made that, Tipuric again with the tackle. Not many

Welshmen can get there, sensational play from Stuart Hogg. Stuart Hogg,

his kick made the chance possible. All they have for the moment is the

line-up. Driving hard into midfield. Justin Tipuric involved again,

trying to keep this as the maul but this is a ruck, Scotland on the

move. Penalty advantage, Ali Price. Russell. Jones, Dunbar. Crunching

tackle from Liam Williams. Still penalty advantage to Scotland. Jonny

Gray. Sam Warburton with the tackle. No

advantage. Sam Warburton penalised. Well,

another cracking 40 minutes of rugby. Sam Warburton, he made the

final tackle, Moriarty was penalised. Scotland coming alive

towards the end of the first-half, applying pressure and an important

time to score points. Superb last 20 minutes, the game has come to life,

as a Welsh player or supporter you do not mind giving away three points

here rather than the try. You are under pressure. You can go into the

shed four points in front. The fortunes swaying in the opening

half, Scotland facing the Leigh Halfpenny penalty, it could have

been 16. At half-time, it could be 9-13.

It is exactly that, Finn Russell with the penalty, and the whistle

blows. Murrayfield at half-time, 13-9.

This is a dish that is still simmering but it is about to boil,

the solitary try of the first-half Rhun Williams but as Eddie was

saying, Wales could have been ten points to the good is that Halfpenny

penalty had gone over but the margin is just four points. This great

aerial view of Murrayfield and these are the facts and figures, Wales

with more tackles and the Welsh defence has been immense. The number

of genuine try scoring opportunities Scotland have had has been very few.

Turnovers is the big issue, we will talk about that in a positive sense

from the perspective of Scotland. What do

Scotland only played in the last five minutes, they were dominated

physically, not like France, it was with tackle and contact, Warburton,

Biggar, very powerful, with that last play, when they almost got that

try, that is what Scotland need to do, break the game down, it came

from the quick line-out and that is what they need to do. And from the

Welsh perspective? Good defence, they had one opportunity, if they

had taken it. Sam Warburton was great. Scotland have dominated

possession and territory but the Welsh defence at the moment is

dictating the game. It seems strangely conservative from both

sides for the first 30 minutes, apart from Rhys Webb, and in the

last ten minutes it started to spark, more attack. Worried about

the weather and the wind, they have made -- they have not been tried.

Rhys Webb has been irritating, driving everything. The first break.

He spots the prop forward. He has to stay there.

As we picked up before the game, the speed of the ruck, he goes in. They

do not clear, the prop forward goes to get the ball and it is so slow,

look at the Scottish defensive line, that is the Welsh Achilles heel.

That was just a glimpse of what Rhys Webb can do. Again, the Scottish

scrum, quick tap to the right, the Scottish defence, six and seven,

this is a good finish. Hogg had a chance, and from a different angle,

Rhys Webb takes it. They are short, they have to drift. Unfortunately

for Tommy Seymour, there are two runners behind Webb. On the

shoulder? He held his run. Very good finish. Quick thinking from Rhys

Webb. In fact, Rhys Webb was the instigator of what might have been

the second Welsh try, we will see that. He was pulled back for a

little bit of foul play? That was a great try, everyone having to go

back in and the final pass to Leigh Halfpenny Quartet. We were referring

to this, from the line-out. Alun-Wyn Jones, he has been everywhere,

priced taken out by Tipuric, then it is all Rhys Webb. Pulling back Tommy

the right call, just enough to pull things back. Almost the try. I'm

sure during the course of half-time and the next weekend, we will be

talking about the players who will or will not be on the plane to New

Zealand. They... We can see the closing elements of that passage.

When Stuart Hogg gets the ball, he is one of the key players to be on

the plane if not in the starting position? When you look at some of

the kicking at the start, he was not getting into the game and then the

quick line-out, he has running back, going back there to make certain of

the good dummy line. Gorgeous little chink along the ground, just does

not have the gas. There is no subject for pace, watching here.

They stand for. There he is. He has watched Tipuric, two on two, great

decision. Great cover by George North but brilliant play from

Scotland, that is what they have to do. That skill from Stuart Hogg at

full pace to drop onto his right foot and have the pace and for that

to bounce perfectly, beautiful. We will talk about the turnovers, for

the uninitiated, when the ball is turned over, how much of that is

good play by the person doing the turning over and how much is bad

play by the person turned over? By the standards, it is about good

play. Good body position, Biggar going to the ground, sloppy tidy up

afterwards, that was messy, the list turnover not forced by any player.

Ball going in too high, that is messy, Gordon Reid, straight over

the top. Great technique. The key man for a lot of these, from the

Scottish perspective. Popping this over the top, that is just sloppy

play. Scotland are winning that part of the game. Wales have physicality,

you can see what Rhys Webb is trying to do, they want to get the ball

going forward, the fine line you have to tread but Wales have one

contact in many ways because of silly penalties given away. If you

look at Scott Williams and Jonathan Davies, wedding collisions, that

extra yard, the momentum on the front foot. There is nothing in

this. For me, we did mention the Welsh back row could be significant

and so far they have been. Sam Warburton, almost not being talked

about in potential terms of the Lions captain. He has been giving

the captain performance today, this is what we were talking about

earlier, this tactical efficiency to go in without resting your arms on

the ground, great cover tackle from Tipuric, Warburton beside him and

mariachi piling in afterwards. Immediately in there, over the ball,

technical ability to do the right thing at the right time,

unbelievably hard on the upper body and you cannot rest your hands on

the ground. That is why it Warburton is one of the best in the game at

that. His pace and decision making, he picks and chooses. His

decision-making is brilliant and when he has a chance or not. The

Gray brothers on one side against Alun Wyn Jones on the other for a

place on the Lions tour. Alun Wyn Jones being talked about as the

potential captain. Who is running? Alun Wyn Jones is there. He is on

the plane at the moment. He is just an all-round player, always leading

from the front, always having a great performance, technically

gifted. For me, in the second row, that choice is so difficult. The

Gray brothers do a huge amount of work. Alun Wyn Jones does a lot of

tracks -- lot of work leading to turnovers. We saw Jonny Gray

carrying that and Alun Wyn Jones knocked him back and Richie Gray was

one yard short. Wales have been more together, knocking them back.

Talking about the second row, England and Ireland, England have

got four world-class second rows, what a fight. Fascinating here, the

second half coming up, last night the Scottish women beat the Wales

women by the narrowest of margins. You can see that tomorrow night.

What a steel! -- steal. Here comes France again. Highlights tomorrow

night at 11:25pm. Repeated on Monday, the weekly podcast on Five

Live is available on Monday and we have Six Nations highlights in the

Rugby special tomorrow night at six o'clock on BBC Two. And the Red

Button Forum following this at around 4:30pm. The one person you

don't want to be this weekend is the Italy coach. Conor O'Shea, you would

much rather be Eddie Jones. Looking for a row. He is overflowing with

options, whenever you look, but as one of his predecessors repeatedly

said, coaching is Eddie 5% selection. You have made some

changes, what has prompted you to mix things up? Every week we are

looking to improve the team and this game is an opportunity to look at

different ways we can improve the team so number 13, he can be the

realistic third option, John Josef, playing at the higher level. This is

a great opportunity for us. People that you would make more changes,

while only four? I don't think for the plenty. We go through a process,

we look at the available players and the opposition and how fit the

players are. How emotionally right, then we work out the best 23 for

that weekend. And we made those changes. Keeping faith with Dylan

Hartley despite the early exit against Wales, white? There is no

reason not to have him. Just because he left early does not mean he was

not doing the job, it meant he wanted George on to play the

appropriate amount of time. Between those players you want a great 80

minutes. So far, Dylan Hartley is showing no signs of allowing the

captaincy to impinge on his performance? Here still very much in

his apprenticeship as a captain, there will be more tests for him and

he will get better. How much is Owen Farrell rapidly turning into the

first name on the team sheet? Winning his 50th cap... Is always

one of the guys we look to pick first because he is the goalkicker,

the defence leader, one of the heartbeats of the team. And one

thing I guarantee is his next 50 tests will be better. We are not

tempted by Taylor and daily? That would be an option. Great option!

You could pick that! The next time you either coach, I will write in

the paper, take that combination. Tomorrow is about the margin, do you

fear for Italy? Yes. The way they started against Wales, so powerful,

clinical with passing of a high standard. It could be a record score

tomorrow. Conceding 96 points so far, at least, and Twickenham on the

Sunday, it is owing -- only going to get stronger with more scores like

that. A quick word about Dublin this afternoon, very physical match? And

all about Jonny Sexton and the attention he gets that the hands of

the French back row and midfield. Very tough and hoping for a narrow

Irish victory. More Scottish views on today. Jason White, what has

stood out so far? Justin Tipuric at the breakdown has been all over the

ball, he is like a bad rash we cannot get rid of. The breakdown

work, Rhys Webb around the breakdown, we need to make sure for

Scotland that the guards get in place quickly. Things getting

fractures towards the end, this continued as the players went down

the tunnel, Richie Gray getting involved and some sparks flying

between himself and the Welsh players, not something you mind? As

long as it is controlled and does not overstep the mark, it shows the

Scottish team up for this. We just need to play on that line of playing

up to the edge and not going over. You are keen to see the Scottish

backs with ball in hand, we saw what Wales could do. Without break

towards the end, very much so? We need to see Stuart Hogg with the

ball, we need to get others into the game, on the front foot. The mixture

of the forwards doing well and the backroom and in the ball and Stuart

Hogg is on fire. He gets a crowd involved. We need to see more of

him. Scotland at home against Wales. Finn Russell starts. The first

penalty for Scotland and it is over. All square at Murrayfield. Free

kick, quickly taken. Williams. The first try of the game. John Hardie

will play no further part. Scotland celebrate. Leigh Halfpenny like

that. Fantastic first half. Poised on a knife edge and, as ever, we

will talk about the benches, the men who might make the difference.

Surely the power is with Wales? It is. Against England, that would have

made a Biggar impact. Hopefully they can bring Sam Davies on, obviously

Faletau. It is timing, Webb is controlling and if he stays on, let

us see what happens. Wales have been out for quite a while, Scotland

keeping them waiting. Perhaps some things said by Vern in the dressing

room. Built from those last five minutes. If Scotland Bill that fast

game, get Seymour running into space, they have a chance but if

they allow Wales to continue to dominate the tackle, Wales will win

this. We have had some formidable jewels so far, you expect this match

to go the same way. Back to the commentary team, led by Eddie

Butler. No changes apart for Watson for Hardie made early in the first

half. Barclay, Tommy Seymour on the wing.

Well taken by Stuart Hogg, Wales tried to hold them up. Zander

Fagerson, the prop. Ali Price, the scrum-half. Jonny Gray. Price

waiting again, Evans, trying to make a nuisance of himself. Halfpenny

waiting. And he drops. Backwards. Did not go backwards. So...

Halfpenny. We don't see that often. That is the channel on this pitch. I

think he dropped it at the almost got it back. That will not bother

Leigh Halfpenny. He will get on with the job in hand. Every kick today

has been contestable. That was probably too long.

The big question is, will we eventually see any scrum computer?

They have been a total mess in the first half. -- computed. Sam

Warburton, having a look at what the Scottish three quarters are about.

Ross Moriarty at number eight. Rob Evans, number one, expressing his

frustration. The two of you sort those problems

out or the two of you leave. Just do as I say, please.

Very clear isn't it. This is where John Lacey needs his assistant

referee to help him, he can't see both sides. They should be

communicating and find out what is happening on that far side.

Scotland's scuem holds well. Out it comes. A scrum is completed. Seymour

off his wing. Slowed up. Ali Price has to wait again. Stuart Hogg.

Justin Tipuric. Hogg gets the ground. Richie Gray. Warburton over

the ball. Can't win it this time. Finn Russell. No way through there.

But he does well, the fly half, to twist and turn. Price. Jonathan

Davies ordered back. Alex Dunbar plays scrum-half. And again. Hamish

Watson. John Barclay. No way through.

Russell to Hogg. It's going to be Tommy Seymour. Or is it...

Scott Williams made that unbelievable tackle.

Scott Williams comes across. Looks like a try for Tommy Seymour. An

incredible effort by Scott Williams. Looks like Tommy Seymour is under

the ball. Yes. Try awarded by John Lacey. Tommy Seymour the scorer, a

flying start by Scotland! There is a price to pay, Tommy Seymour still

receiving attention. Looks like he's winded. Finn Russell carries the

ball to the line and Stuart Hogg again delays the pass. Tim Visser

does well. Seymour just gets the ball down. Despite tefrts of Scott

Williams. Great finish by Williams. Just bitten on the decoy runner. --

despite the efforts. Russell from wide out. Off the post and over.

Seven points for Scotland. They take the lead at Murrayfield. Scotland

16-13 Wales. Williams allows Visser to come on the outside. Wonderful

finish from Seymour. Hamish Watson underneath it. Under

pressure from George North. Russell comes away with it. And that's a

fine clearance under pressure by Finn Russell.

Fin Russell managed to get his boot to ball -- Finn Russell. An

opportunity for Wales. Wales take their time at the

lineout. Alun Wyn Jones, an overthrow and John Barclay comes

away with it. Alex Dunbar. Couldn't pass it Jonathan Davies had cut out

his option. Price. To Fagerson. The crowd are in full voice.

Scotland are in the lead, Wales still making thunderous tackles,

pushing Scotland back into their half. Jonny Gray.

Jonny Gray to Fagerson again. Fagerson involved again.

Russell high again. Superb catch by Tommy Seymour. Russell. All Scotland

at the moment. Makes yards. Doesn't make yards.

Suddenly the Scottish attacks stop. It stops and is brought to an end by

Alun Wyn Jones with a tackle, then he wins a turnover. Look at that for

a second half possession. They've got the score to prove it early in

the second half. A great piece of attack by Scotland. Making more

ground than in the first half. The Welsh defence coming out on top in

the end with Alun Wyn Jones. Scotland at the minute are winning

all the 50/50s, making all the right decisions. Huge penalty to kill the

momentum for Scotland. Totally swung their way in the second half. Here

is Alun Wyn Jones. Scotland got two contestable kicks

there. Skill of the day! Ross Moriarty charges into midfield.

Wales on the move for the first time in this second half. They've earned

themselves a penalty. Rhys Webb looks one way and goes the other.

Jonathan Davies for the line! The pass. Can't find a hand. Leigh

Halfpenny is up there. It's gone forward. Oh, Wales so close.

The break by Jonathan Davies and it sets Wales off in this second half.

Everybody's just calmed down having had a look at this. Rhys Webb goes

to the left and Owens, delayed pass to a brilliant line. Full pace by

Jonathan Davies, excellent tackle by Price. That off-load to Rhys Webb

could have been a try. He's got to get this off-load. A bit more

sympathy on that off the floor. Wales probably have forced one or

two but I think that time Jonathan Davies was fully justified in trying

to find rest-week. If he didn't, he would have been turned over, two

defenders on top of him. So clean was the break that the advantage was

over, so instead of having the penalty, Wales end up that close to

the line, but with Scotland putting the ball into the scrum. The game

just so finely balanced. Scotland in the start of the second

half with some great possession. 99% possession, then a flash, a blink of

an eye, Jonathan Davies cutting through the Scottish defence.

What pressure can Wales exert? You can just see the strain there. I'd

be surprised if this one goes full term. I agree. It's going to go one

way or the other. Zander Fagerson's a huge prospect for Scotland. He's

had his struggles. This is a step up from playing for Glasgow, but

interesting to see John Lacey is watching Rob Evans and Zander

Fagerson. Finn Russell you see is flat. You want to be clear, you want

depth to get away. He's maybe looking to attack the right hand

side. Ali Price feeds the scrum. Done well. Quick ball. Away comes

Ali Price. Tommy Seymour. Gives' way the penalty crossing. Obstruction.

It's a penalty for Wales. It's wide out. What is the option here? Alun

Wyn Jones went for the corner every time Dan Biggar looks like he's

shaping up for the corner as well. Dan Biggar asked the question.

They can't change their mind. Oh, they can. Wales for the corner.

I thought once he indicated that, that was that. He kicked it half way

across. Yes. That is the obstruction. Ryan Wilson just

blocking Warburton. Ken Owens. Warburton. Wales obstruct in front

of the ball. Penalty to Scotland. Jonny Gray celebrates. The crowd are

relieved. An old tactic Wales have used before. Nearly all the back

line were there, Halfpenny, Davies. Got to be so careful when you lift

the man, that you don't obstruct him. John Lacey's picked it up.

Alan Dell prepares to come on to the field. Gordon Reid is coming off.

Gordon Reid's done well this afternoon, put in so much energy. I

think he's done well in the scrum as well. Allan Dell is on. He started

the two opening games in the Championship. Lan

Gordon Reid's done well this afternoon, put in so much energy. I

think he's done well in the scrum as well. Allan Dell is on. He started

the two opening games in the Championship. Fraser Brown takes his

time. Ali Price pushes. Liam Williams. Leigh Halfpenny. Wales

counter from deep. Biggar for himself. Barclay. Great pick-up by

the captain. Price. Oaf Halfpenny's shoulders. Didn't get the bounce

Price wanted. Halfpenny. Stuart Hogg. Gone backwards. Finn Russell.

Russell. Chased by Sam Warburton. Warburton down. Straight back up.

On the half way line. Price turns, goes the other way and he's clear!

Ali Price tackled by Halfpenny. Support from doll. -- Dell.

Fagerson. Williams came charging out the line and it worked. He throws

Ryan Wilson to the ground. Wales looking for the turnover. Russell

comes away with it. Penalty advantage to Scotland. Barclay.

Whoops. Alex Dunbar with quite the strangest kick we may see this

hundredship. He won't be too happy with that one. Penalty advantage on

the wrong boot. Williams, who is as good in defence

as he is in attack, managed to get back. There's Ali Price's breakdown

again. Allan Dell in support. Finn Russell. This to extend

Scotland's lead. Trailed at half time by four points. This is go six

points into the lead and they do. A big swing. Went for the lineout, got

penalised. A change ordered by Vern Cotter at scrum-half so Ali Price

having made the break gives way. George North. Scott Williams.

So, from the restart, Wales back in possession. Rob Evans.

Rhys Webb with Leigh Halfpenny acting outside-half. Webb again.

Jonathan Davies. Jones makes the tackle.

Quickly delivered. Webb. Evans. A little side step. Makes ground.

Halfpenny. Biggar. Just tin Tipuric. George North. Tipuric. Didn't risk

the pass. Knock-on by Wales. Scotland with the minicelebration,

not by Rob Howley, the Wales coach. Tipuric losing control. The first

mistake he's made today, he's been outstanding. That guy in attack and

defence, such a high worker. Top class. He could easily play in the

backs as well. Covered defence early in the first half. Absolutely superb

player, got the full package, defensively and offensively. Working

class in my eyes. The tries, Wales in first half, Liam

Williams, Scotland in the second Tim Visser two, Tommy Seymour.

Jake Ball is going off. And on comes Luke Charteris. One of the highly

experienced players coming off the bench for Wales, cap number 72 for

Luke Charteris. He's carried well, Jake Ball.

Change at scrum-half, Chris. Henry Pyrgos, an experienced campaigner,

similar to Laidlaw and Price. Rhys Webb steals and Webb is away. Can he

finish? Can he finish? ! It will go to review.

Busy day for Rowan. This man Rhys Webb has been outstanding so far and

look how sharp he is again. If he beats Tim Visser, it's an incredible

finish. Reaching with the ball on his right hand. Look at his left.

Looks like it touches the line just before. An incredible effort to even

get as close as that. Yes, all came from the problems from the Scottish

scrum. Very unstable and Rhys Webb was quick as a flash.

Rhinout. Lineout. Scotland throw. Rest-week so close -- Rhys Webb so

close. Worrying times for Scotland.

Again, really unstable scrum. Fraser Brown to throw. Luke Charteris on

his first. It's gone long. Oh, and it worked.line Wilson comes away

with it. Wales read the move but it's still performed clinically by

Scotland. And they clear. Clear well. You could see that. That was a

50/50 real gamble. Great from Ryan Wilson. Tom Francis, the near try

for Rhys Webb. Foot in touch. Tom Francis is off. There's the

offending boot. Wales are under way again. Scott Williams in midfield.

Sam Warburton won that. Forward and little things going wrong for Wales.

Warren Gatland watching on. Alex Dunbar. Scott Williams.

Disappointed to lose out. Scotland made a flying start to the second

half. Scored their points and ever since then they've been on defensive

duty but they have this scrum and a chance to go on the attack again.

Best for Scotland to get this away as quickly as possible, if they can

manage it. Coming up to 60 minutes on the verge

of the last quarter. Plenty of daring, plenty of adventure, plenty

of mishaps so far. It just seems one of those games where there'll be

more to come. Henry Pyrgos. As seen by John Lacey, Wales manage to get a

drive-on. They get a big drive-on. Ryan Wilson does well to come away

with it. Scotland can't get out of their half because Stuart Hogg's

kicked straight into touch. He says, sorry, lads. We saw Tipuric's first

and probably only mistake of the day. That's Hogg's first mistake of

the day, he holds his hand up. Wales continue to apply the pressure.

Ken Owen came in with a perfect record throw-in. Worked well this

time. Moriarty feeds Warburton. Liam Williams. Rhys Webb waits. Rhys

Webb, alert. Finds Rob Evans. Pass by the prop to Luke Charteris. Webb

again. Davies. Hamish Watson tries to strip. Watson does well to get

out of the way. Not give away the penalty. Evans again.

Scott Williams Webb has a little look. Feeds Luke Charteris who looks

on. Another knock-on. A scrum advantage being played to Scotland.

Russell with the clearing kick. Referee says not much of an

advantage. I think the referee may be looking at something here,

Martyn. Looking at the actions of red 7 lifting blue 10. Tipuric on a

clean out. It is tin Tipuric, his action on the side of the rook. Yes,

the crowd obviously jeered, as they would. But it's whether Tipuric in

his action of cleaning out the Scottish players lifted the legs

horizontally. You have to be so careful these days. The corner of

John Lacey's eye. Certainly lifted him twice. Finn

Russell is not driven at the ground, he's landed on his back. He's

probably looking at a yellow. You have got to be so careful these

days. I think players are starting to go with the momentum and buy into

this now, but you are dicing with danger as soon as you give the leg.

Just a penalty. Because Tipuric almost knows what he was doing, he

tried to save the situation after he'd started. There was no malice,

he never drove him into the field but it's a penalty only.

Tipuric did try to save the situation. Scotland gain some

relief. They had a knock-on advantage. Wales spinning the ball

again. Plenty of pressure from Wales. It changes now as Jamie

Roberts comes on into midfield. Faletau comes on. Moriarty goes off.

Another big game for Moriarty, perhaps not as eye-catching as last

week, but done a lot of grafting. Scott Williams had a good game as

well. Richie Gray wins the lineout. Scotland edge forward. Like

Charteris is sensational. He gets his big frame over and kills it

straightaway. There he is, like Charteris, he's huge and he uses

those arms to go where shorter arms can't!

It's very tense. Is it for you, Jason? Just the way we are seeing

the game being played, from where I'm sitting here, Wales are playing

all of the game in the Scottish half and we need to find a way from the

Scottish point of view to get back down that end and bring back into

play the big strikes, Stuart Hogg getting the ball. The back end are

working their Socks off. You saw the substitutes coming on for Wales,

Jamie Roberts. A strong mix for the last 18 minutes. We had that amazing

statistic at the start of the second half where Scotland had 99% of

territory possession but that's turned now. Faletau came on against

England. He's been struggling with a knee injury all season really. He is

a magnificent player when he's fit and doing well. Scotland are awarded

the penalty at the scrum. And given what happened at the last scrum,

Wales will be very disappointed with that.

Disappointed I think is putting it mildly, Eddie. They'll be really

frustrated. Total dominance in the last scrum and John Lacey, you can't

say at least he's made a decision, but it's a big decision from John

Lacey when Wales seemed to be on top of the scrum. Ten penalties apiece,

Scotland in the Welsh half at last. Fraser Brown. Not many front row

forwards who start make it into the last quarter but here is Scotland's

hooker. And finding John Barclay, his captain. Luke Charteris again.

Busy at work. Scotland come through the midfield.

Russell, that was long from Jones. Cannot go past Leigh Halfpenny and

Scotland move into the Welsh 22. Richie Gray. Fagerson. Hamish

Watson. Feeding Jonny Gray. Gray stops and take stock of the

situation, tries to set it up. Russell is lining up for the drop

goal. Behind Pyrgos. Through Hamish Watson, Scotland are happy to take

it further into Welsh territory. Pyrgos. John Barclay, the captain,

Tipuric. Sam Warburton over the ball. Scotland have it. It has been

slowed up. Fraser Brown, the figure. -- looker. -- hooker. Pyrgos to John

Barclay. Russell, Hogg! Scotland break out and the lead grows. As a

crowd celebrate, this is a crucial time in the match to score, the

first time Scotland had territory for a very long time in the second

half and that was built through Fraser, then watch this pass from

Stuart Hogg, quickly through the hands, and watch this from the past.

Through the hands add that strike command, Visser, scoring again. The

pace of that ball to Hogg, then the class of Hogg, this standing up. It

did look like Finn Russell was standing in the pocket. That snipe

from Pyrgos had him on the front foot. Fully deserved try. They

started the second half with a bang and went into the long period of

being stuck in their own 22 but they have broken out and scored again.

Finn Russell with the conversion. It is good. Scotland 26, Wales 13.

Another look, that pass from Russell to Stuart Hogg, Visser has had that

left touchline all day, he got on the outside of George North and

celebrates his comeback with a try. Changes in the Welsh team, Sam

Davies is on for Dan Biggar. Rebound. Everything is going

Scotland's way. Alex Dunbar. Under pressure, gets the ball away. Would

not be more comfortable kicker. That was a better strike. Better than the

last one. The right direction. Pressure from Rhys Webb. Stuart Hogg

has a look, is that on? Dunbar manages to get away, he gets that of

the field. Baldwin finds Alun Wyn Jones. George North coming off his

wing. Sam Davies, inside the Scott Baldwin. Inside to Scott. Jonathan

Davies. Nicky Smith is on in the Welsh front row.

The turnover is good, says George Lacey. Once again, Wales have been

turned over and Murrayfield erupts again. That was slow from Wales, it

gives Davies no option, fantastic work from Watson, he wins that. So

dangerous as a tackler and around the breakdown as well. Wilson

patting his head. This Gaurav Bains Wales have to play, they have to

take a risk. -- this score means. Here is the turnover, Barclay with

the turnover. Tipuric and Warburton... He can do it as well.

Hamish Watson with the turnover. Fraser Brown's work is done, Ross

Ford comes on, cap number 105. And he finds Jonny Gray. Pyrgos. Liam

Williams rises high and feeds Leigh Halfpenny. He comes away with it.

Back to Rhys Webb. Wales have to play, they have to

risk their passes. That one does not go to hand. Liam Williams comes away

with it. Scotland with a penalty, another obstruction. That is a hard

one to take for Williams, he has been outstanding. He has tried so

hard to pick up the loose ball, taking on three Scotland's

defenders. This is a big decision for Scotland, I think they are going

for the corner. 13 points ahead. You can understand what Sam Davies is

trying to do, trying to keep the ball in play. Williams has to pick

up the loose ball but Tipuric is in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The tackle comes in from Wilson. The option to go for the goal eats up

the clock. When you go back to the Wales opportunity, 19-13, Alun Wyn

Jones decides to go for the corner instead of points and you must

question that, with somebody like Leigh Halfpenny in your ranks...

Carling that end. Superb kick. Not only is the clock running down, the

school board has gone up. 29-13. -- curling that in. Brilliant kick. And

that was so hard. He has nailed that, right down the middle. Jonny

Gray comes away with the ball. Finn Russell.

Ross Ford, he loses out. Justin Tipuric, to the captain, Alun Wyn

Jones. Nicky Smith in support. Alex Dunbar

fighting for possession, died on the ground.

-- down on the ground. Halfpenny. Intercepted! And, again, George

right this time. Tim Visser with one of them, North with another. Nicky

Smith, plays scrum half. Scott Baldwin, short to Faletau. Tipuric,

long, dancing to Sam Davies. He thought he could see a little gap.

It closed. In time honoured fashion, Roberts

crashes it up. Scotland's defence is solid. Good

enough to win the penalty. And that says it all. Hamish Watson again.

There he is, he came on the field, he started the first two games in

the championship that he has been outstanding again. 13 conceded from

Wales, in the penalties. The coaches will not be happy with that. Batman,

Hamish Watson, in the penalty area. -- Batman. -- that man. It has been

one of those afternoons. A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. If

you are wearing blue. Scotland have been outstanding in the second half.

Going in, Wales were dominating but Scotland have been clinical, one

chance but Visser over and they have not looked back. Wales, on the flip

side, have become very sloppy on the backend. Scotland have kept Wales

pointless in the second half. Not much went. And Scotland in not

much of a hurry to get to the line-out. Four and a half minutes

left to go. John Barclay has been a real

presence in the line-out. Pyrgos has to go digging for the ball.

Scotland can think of winding the game down.

Here is one of the star performers, Hamish Watson.

Liam Williams went for the interception, that is just the

knock-on. And the clock runs. Tommy Seymour, try scorer. The

moment has come. Who is the Man of the Match? Well, there have been

some candidates, Warburton, Tipuric, Rhys Webb has had a massive game and

Hamish Watson has had a huge impact. The Gray brothers, Wilson as well.

But the man in the picture, the RBS Man of the Match, Finn Russell,

seven from seven. For all of the determination of the Scottish team,

under pressure, Finn Russell has delivered an outstanding match.

Murrayfield is buzzing. Murrayfield is about to celebrate Scotland's

second victory of the Six Nations. They beat Ireland here. And very

shortly they will have beaten Wales. John Barclay, outstanding as leader.

Pyrgos will not be going far. Finn Russell, Man of the Match.

Tackled by Sam Davies. Wales have a chance. They have one and a half

minutes. Warren Gatland, the Lions coach, the Wales coach on

sabbatical. Difficult day, unless you are looking for players to fill

the Lions slots. You mentioned somebody like John Barclay who

nobody mentions when it comes to selection but he has been absolutely

outstanding. Hamish Watson. All of those flankers, they have been

outstanding but somebody like Finn Russell, he has put his hand up

again. Full credit to Scotland, they deserve this, really composed second

half, they came under pressure but they have been incredibly clinical

at the other end. They scored at important times, that penalty just

before half-time and the try after 43 minutes in the second half.

Important time to score. Wales have stopped scoring. 15 against England,

13 today. Jonathan Davies comes away with it. This is real the average in

the Six Nations. They had a chance to improve the average, they will

not when but here they come. Looking for a second try. Scotland over the

ball again. Will they get another penalty? Into overtime. Scotland

sink to their knees. But they will not be done there for long. It has

been a wonderful day to be at the home of the game in Scotland. Smiles

all round, one boot into touch and the job is done. John Lacey blows

his whistle. Scotland, and two out of three, still in the hunt, Vern

Cotter, happy man, greets his players. Scotland have

comprehensively beaten Wales 29-13. What a performance from Scotland,

there was a lot of physicality from Wales but John Barclay led his side

so fantastically, two tries to one from Scotland, terrific performance.

You would think with the players they have missing, people thought

that would be the difference but the guys have stood up. Wales, the first

half they could not ask for anything more and the second half was

disappointing. They failed to capitalise on possession and

territory and defensively some lapses and it was game over.

Difficult end to the Six Nations for Wales. This is a sweet game when

your country plays this well. Happy days at Murrayfield. Scotland 29,

Wales 13. The key fact in the second half,

Scotland 20, Wales zero. Scotland's fourth consecutive victory at

Murrayfield, the first time in over a decade and a first time they have

beaten Wales in more than a decade. If you could see Andy Nicol you

would see he is grinning at the Cheshire Catt. Fantastic second

half. 20 unanswered points, not just the attack, the defence was

outstanding and everything... Scotland were not poor in the

opening, they just did not get their game going. But that second half was

everything this team has developed into. They had pace and intensity,

creativity and they finished the game and that was a brilliant 40

minutes. Don't you wish you had written the song, thinking about the

royalties? From the Welsh perspective, but this into context

given the match two weeks ago. It comes down to creating opportunities

and scoring tries. If you look at the second half, two tries for

Scotland and Wales did not do anything in attack. We spoke before

the game about Finn Russell and whether his goal-kicking would be

crucial. If there were any questions, he answered them

emphatically Andy is Man of the Match. Huge congratulations, Man of

the Match. Fantastic performance by yourself and the team. The boys were

awesome, we knew it was going to be tough against Wales, especially with

both teams coming away from losses. I'm so proud of the boys out there.

What was said at half-time? It was a different team that came out again?

We knew Wales were going to be tough but everywhere in the game we could

put some points on the board in the second half, digging deep and it was

good. If anybody was concerned about missing Greig Laidlaw, you but the

answer out there. Your defence has been outstanding as well. I have his

boots on! That must have helped. I was happy today. I kept the boys on

the front foot and kept the scoreboard ticking over. I was happy

with my kicking today. Enjoy that. Thank you. One third of the way

through the third weekend of the Six Nations Championship and Scotland on

top. By virtue of two wins and the losing bonus point. England play

Italy tomorrow and Ireland against France is kicking off very shortly.

Keith, any thoughts? And he would like to end the Six Nations write

your! -- right now. Scotland were so impressive in the second half. Every

opportunity, it took. They were clinical and Wales looked hapless

during the second half. We have the Scottish captain. There are not many

captains who have made their debut as a captain and gone on to win the

match, we have had Jason White, you are one of them as well. What an

incredible performance by the home team. We started the championship

very well at home against Ireland. We were disappointed against France

but we believed we could do something with this group and we're

not just saying that, but we have come here today and we have

recovered from the poor first-half to build an ice core and beat a very

good Welsh side. What was the difference? What changed? We just

tightened things up, we were making too many mistakes and giving away

too many penalties, we tidy things up in the tackle area and we gave

them all. If anybody thought the Ireland result was just a one match

performance, you have proven that wrong. I will not make any

predictions but are and are very good team, and Wales, and we go to

England for the next game and if we work hard, we believe we can win

games. Can you beat England? We will have a look at them but we believe

so. If we play well, if we play like in Paris and in the first-half, it

becomes very difficult. Congratulations. The facts and

figures as we consider the penultimate game but Vern Cotter

will be in charge of Scotland because we have one more match

against Italy before he hands over to Gregor Townsend. We can hear from

Alun Wyn Jones for the Welsh view on this result. Very different

first-half to the second-half. What changed? We were more efficient with

possession in the first-half, there was a shift in momentum but credit

to Scotland, they took the opportunity. We did not keep

possession in the second half and they took the opportunity to

capitalise on that position. Great performances by the guys in your

team, that Rhys Webb try, if that was allowed, that could be the

turning point? We cannot rule out those opportunities. There are more

times in the game when we should have capitalised and with hindsight,

there were two tries disallowed but we did fall short in the second

half. We mentioned Rhys Webb almost scoring a try. Leigh Halfpenny

missed that kick towards the end of the first-half but would have put

Wales ten points ahead and one such tiny moments to these big matches

depend. We are going to the Red Button after we are finished and BBC

One so please cross over. So much to discuss. Those tries, Tommy Seymour,

was obstruction? Brilliant play from Scotland. Watch that dummy run. Huw

Jones comes onto that brand and Liam Williams raids -- reads the play,

Visser on the outside, Visser on the outside, he has a lot to do. He has

to hold Leigh Halfpenny. Great tackle by Williams but what a finish

and what a try. That has been the difference, they have created two

opportunities and scored two tries, Wales have created hardly anything.

Webb nearly scored and I said that whoever creates and scores will win

this and they created. Brilliant finish from Seymour because of that

weight of the tackle looked like it was knocking him into the in goal

area. Just very clinical, they executed the passing, it looks

simple but sometimes good skills deliver tries. Honourable mention to

Tim Visser. He was brilliant. Again, just watch that Welsh defence. Finn

Russell spots it, he holds it, the long pass on the outside shoulder to

Jonathan Davies, rushing to the line. Watch the pass, brilliant

pass, Visser holding, and that is the difference. The pass from

Russell was perfect, the pace got that across the line, the second he

realised Jonathan Davies was out of the line, but that required Hogg to

be awesome. He will get as much satisfaction giving that scoring

pass to Tim Visser as you build from the tries he has scored. John

Barclay was asked, if we assume England beat Italy at Twickenham

tomorrow, in terms of the physicality that Scotland will be

confronted with at Twickenham next week, are they up to that? I think

they've dipped below their performance against Ireland but they

still have this win, they had chances and they took them but they

have to raise their game against England. They need to be stronger

and more efficient but they cannot give England any opportunity. The

one thing they have right now is confidence. They have the confidence

and ability to score tries and a few score tries you will give yourself a

chance. If they can match England with physicality they have a chance

because of creativity. How often have we been here at Murrayfield and

we have seen players clapping their hands going into the tunnel,

smiling, that is great for Scottish rugby. It really is and the

atmosphere here is fantastic, from five minutes away everybody knew

Scotland were going to win. It has taken ten years to beat Wales and

there have been some chances but they have not been good enough. I

have seen this team developed over 18 months and they are not a

brilliant site yet but they are getting close. Thank you, were

heading to the Red Button. To go there and we will see very shortly.

After a slow start, what a fantastic second 40 minutes in terms of

entertainment, if not from the Welsh perspective. After a decade,

Scotland have broken that bogey and on a couple of locations, at key

moments and with brilliance, Scotland threw caution to the wind.

Goodbye! If they are going to have a chance at the title, they need to

win here.