Danny Wilson’s men ran in six tries in Inverness, Aaron Warren scoring twice, as they secured a comfortable 42-17 victory.Â
The manner of the win was no less than Wales deserved and although they led 22-10 at the break, they pulled further clear in the second half despite receiving two yellow cards.
Cory Allen, Rhodri Williams and Jordan Williams also crossed while Wales were also awarded a penalty try. Sam Davies added 12 points with the boot.
After enjoying a fast start to their last game in Italy, Wales began quickly once again as they put the Scottish defence under pressure.
Jordan Williams created a half break while flanker Daniel Thomas was tackled into touch as Wales dominated. And although an opening try failed to materialise, fly half Davies continued his impressive form with the boot to give his side a 3-0 lead.
Playing with the wind, Wales were dominating with full back Jordan Williams looking a constant threat. Another break from the Llanelli man saw Allen clean through but the Cardiff centre was tackled into touch as he looked to give the try scoring pass.
With all the territory and possession, Wales would have hoped to have had more to show for their dominance and they were given a shock to the system as Scotland surprisingly went ahead.
Tommy Allan levelled things up with a simple penalty before the Scottish pack showed their power with a push over try. With the Welsh eight retreating, Scotland surged over – prop Shawn Muir credited with the score. Allan added the conversion but his side soon gifted Wales a way back into the game.
From the restart, Scotland looked to spread the ball right but Thomas was alive to the danger. The Llanelli flanker picked off a pass from a Scottish hand with ease and sprinted clear. Though he didn’t quite have the pace to get to the try line, Thomas offloaded to the supporting Allen who crashed over. Davies missed the conversion and Wales trailed 10-8 after half an hour.
Wales captain Ellis Jenkins had said pre match that he was hoping his side could play some more running rugby and with conditions to suit, his side were starting to do just that.
And in a purple patch in the 10 minutes before half time, they added two further tries for a comfortable interval lead. Allen was again the architect as he played in Warren to score before electric scrum half Rhodri Williams turned the Scottish defence inside out to score a superb individual try.
Davies converted both scores and at the break, Wales led by 12.
With two quick scores before the interval, Wales looked confident as they emerged for the second half. Davies soon extended the lead with his second penalty and with Thomas everywhere in defence, Wales repelled any attacks the home side could muster.
And things soon got better. Wales turned over ball and Harry Robinson, who had been quiet, spun the ball out to Jordan Williams. He went over with ease, his grin as he crossed the try line a reflection of Wales’ comfortable superiority.
Davies’ conversion was wide in the blustery conditions but if everything was going Wales’ way, they received a reality check when Thomas was yellow carded. It mattered for little though as buoyed by their front row replacements, Wales got on top at scrum time.
Their dominance was rewarded with a converted penalty try and although Carwyn Jones spent the rest of the game in the bin, Warren added a superb second, racing the length of the field to finish a wonderful, free-flowing move.
Scotland grabbed a late consolation score through Adam Ashe but Wales will secure a Grand Slam if they can beat England next Friday. Â
Scorers:
Wales: Tries: Cory Allen, Aaron Warren (2) Rhodri Williams, Jordan Williams, Penalty ; Cons: S Davies (3);Pens: S Davies (2).
Yellow Cards: Daniel Thomas, Carwyn Jones.
Scotland: Tries: Shawn Muir, Adam Ashe; Cons Allan (2); Pens: Allan.
