Wales 18 – 11 Scotland
There is an old adage in the NFL “Offence wins games, defence wins championships”, that is certainly a good description of Wales this Six Nations. This game also. Wales scored points to be ahead and then waited to see if Scotland would score enough to force Wales to reignite their attack or just contain Scotland and press for victory.
It was clear in the second half that Wales switched off and Scotland roared to life, maybe Wales had one eye on the Grand Slam already and suffered for it. They reverted to their structure and just absorbed Scottish pressure, there was a period of Scottish attack where they lost about 20m just by being hammered backwards. The Scottish try was stunning from a lightning quick inside ball from Finn Russel, an area where Scotland attacked Wales fairly often through the game. It was my personal favourite try of the tournament thus far. It was a shame for Scotland that the damage was done in the first half and striking once wasn’t enough to put them in position to win the game.
Andy Nicol, the Scottish representative on the analyst desk was challenged by Guscott for taking the positives out of the game and I’m inclined to agree with the latter. Scotland do that too much, the bottom line is for all their positives they will finish 5th in the Six Nations. They have a host of injuries yes, but they also created enough opportunities to beat teams and were too inaccurate to convert them into points. Even Italy managed to score two great tries against England. No one has really been on top form so far and Scotland could have been in a far stronger position heading into their match against England.
This Welsh defence needs a special mention. It’s build around players trusting each other to do their jobs so they don’t swamp the breakdown often leaving 13 players in the defensive line with only a full-back in the back field. The core of this team have been together so long that each man knows the strengths and habits of those outside him. The players get off the floor quickly and are able to get back in line so there is always a red wall. Also the ability of players like North being able to get over the ball and secure turnover means attackers have to stack the ruck to prevent the ball carrier getting isolated. Tipuric and Navidi topped the tackle charts at 24 and 23 respectively, and Wales made something like 200 tackles in the game, showing the herculean effort.
I’m glad that Wales had this defensive test against Scotland, I think it will help them far more than had they stormed to an easy victory. Looking forward to Ireland, they will probably provide the sternest test to Warren Gatland’s red wall. Their forwards are huge and unused to taking backward steps and the backline are far more clinical and effective than Scotland’s. They are a team used to winning the big game and being as strategic as their opponent. I’m fascinated to see who can implement their game plan and how the game will take shape. It really is too close to call and the home crowd demanding a Grand Slam may just be enough to sway me into predicting a Welsh win.
I’m getting excited now, come on Wales!
CodexCaster's Contribution 