Scotland won in Cardiff for the first time in 22 years, but such a seemingly historic opening rarely describes so fully what actually happened. It was an extraordinary display of breathless drama and skill in a sport that seems to be overflowing with drama and skill.
It looked like Scotland had secured a historic victory within 40 minutes, and definitely within 43 minutes, when they were already leading 27-0, annihilating the inexperienced hosts for whom nothing clicked. Plan goes ahead. Then, just as the movie cuts away, the Welles kids throw caution to the wind. And, kids, it looks like they can play when they want.
Having failed to win a lineout for love and money in the first half, they executed a sweet lineout five minutes from time and scored for James Botham, son of Ian’s grandson Liam . There were murmurs among the stunned crowd.
This is just the first excitement. Five minutes later, Wales again battered the Scotland defence, and after George Turner received a yellow card, Scotland’s deficit was now reduced to 14 points. Half-time substitute Tomos Williams rounded Nick Tompkins and sent Leo Dell wide. Now it’s not just an exciting event—a full-blown riot. Nothing seems to be stopping Wales from winning the ball and progressing now. Scotland were not awarded a penalty throughout the entire second half; Wales won the title for the 14th consecutive time.
On the hour, Sione Tuipulotu received Scotland’s second yellow card as waves of greedy youngsters in red assaulted their defence. Another penalty, finished off by the great Aaron Wainwright. Ioan Lloyd set up his younger fly-half comrade Sam Costelow in the first half to convert his second to bring Wales level. Eight points difference.
They would then end up with two bonus points thanks to Wells’ fourth. Cameron Winnett impressed on his debut, linking up with Dier to cause havoc down the left flank. Another penalty, another lineout and a breakaway – try another debutant, Alex Mann. It took a full ten minutes to get the job done, the stadium was now a traditional hellhole and the kids were inspired.
But that’s the way kids are. This is as far as they can go. They lost their first lineout in the final 10 minutes. So Scotland pressed hard in the closing seconds, looking for a bonus point of their own, but Duhan van der Merwe’s third try was blocked by a prone leg from Wales. Scotland has no quibbles.
At the same time, Welles seemed to announce the beginning of a new era in an insulting way. True, they had nothing to lose in the second half, but those deficits needed a radical change – and Scotland were incensed by the end.
It was generally agreed that a good start would be crucial for this young Wales side. Well, the cold reality has a very different outcome. Wales trailed 20-0 and fell completely behind, with Costello coming off with a head injury.
Opposite him, the Scotland captain seemed to declare almost immediately that he was in the mood. Finn Russell was on the ball in the first half, either off-hand or with his boot. For Scotland’s second try, on the half-hour mark, he confounded the youngsters on the opposite side with a performance and sent van der Merwe through for his first try.
Wynette looked confident at full-back, but Scotland newcomer Kyle Rowe, wearing the No. 15 jersey, took up the spot early on, casually connecting with namesake Steyn on the wing. ) connect. All of this becomes much easier when you have a large number of balls at your disposal.
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Scotland dominated a Welsh side who, yes, were very, very inexperienced. Scotland won more lineouts (five) than their own in the first half thanks to Welsh bowling. But as their lead began to grow, Wells’ composure fell apart.
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Costello was flagged for offside, giving Russell the lead in the fifth minute. Five minutes later, Russell pushed Rowe into half-court space. The full-back found Keir Steyn on the right, who cut inside hard and was only a few yards away. Pierre Schoeman then made a couple of strong drives and nearly broke the line for a 10-0 lead within minutes.
Josh Adams, a veteran player, had his brain fade after he threw the ball into the crowd after Russell made it 50-22. The penalty was another three points and the second try built a 20 point lead at half time. Scotland stole another lineout and Russell sprayed his outside back with more kicks, two Kells made hay down the right before Russell looped in Tupulotu , sending Van der Merwe to the goal post.
Warren Gatland brought on three players at half-time but his initial impact was limited. Van der Merwe added his second goal just two minutes into the game, launching a fierce attack on Williams who had just come on after Russell’s counterattack. How tyrannical Scotland seemed then! How did Wales lose. We were all wrong…
