Scotland fell to an agonising Six Nations defeat this afternoon as Wales claimed a thrilling 26-23 victory at Murrayfield.
Nine days after being silenced on home soil by England, the dragon rediscovered its roar to an extent as tries by scrum-half Rhys Webb and centre Jonathan Davies consigned Scotland to a second Six Nations defeat in a row.
Full-back Leigh Halfpenny, who delivered an immaculate performance in attack and defence, kicked 16 points, while Scotland replied through a breakaway Stuart Hogg score and substitute lock Jim 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.
Wales, though, still have to do it the hard way if they have any realistic aspirations of Six Nations silverware.
Sam Warburton’s men know they cannot afford another defeat, and their next two games are against France in Paris and at home to reigning Six Nations champions Ireland.
For Scotland, it is far from a case of going back to the drawing board, as they again displayed some high-class rugby to confirm a feelgood factor that has surrounded them since Cotter took charge last year.