Liam Williams scored Wales’ only try, with Leigh Halfpenny converting and kicking two further penalties, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a second tournament loss.
It means Howley’s side are now out of contention for the title, and the former scrum half pointed out his side’s failure to make the most of some clear attacking opportunities as the main reason why Wales came out on the wrong side of the result.
“We just weren’t accurate enough. We made it a little bit easy for Scotland in the second half and we turned the ball over too many times,” Howley said.
“We were quite dominant in the first half, but we probably weren’t clinical when we needed to be in both halves with our opportunities. We didn’t have the accuracy and intensity we needed at the breakdown and as a result Scotland stopped our momentum. They were very clinical in attack.
“We had clear-cut chances and it’s about being clinical. Jon Davies has gone through in the second half and there was Rhys Webb’s opportunity as well. International rugby is about keeping hold of the ball, but we made it easier for Scotland in terms of the contact area.”
Wales’ 13-9 half-time lead was eradicated in the second period as Scotland scored 20 unanswered points. Wings Tommy Seymour and Tim Visser got their tries, with man of the match Finn Russell ending the game with a 19-point haul.
Ireland and France are the opponents for Wales in their final two Six Nations fixtures, with Joe Schmidt’s side arriving at Principality Stadium a week on Friday.
“At half time in the changing room was very positive,” Howley said.
“We felt there was another level we needed to go to, but unfortunately we didn’t get there. You have to applaud Scotland for stopping us playing. They were very effective in the contact area, but I think we made it slightly easier for them.
“We have got huge respect for the Six Nations and players want to perform as best they can.
“They have got another opportunity in two weeks. We will have to dissect the game, particularly the second half. We were very comfortable in the first half and in a dominant position.”
