Five-try Scotland edge Wales 35-29 in Six Nations
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EDINBURGH : Fullback Blair Kinghorn and centre Tom Jordan scored two tries each as Scotland claimed a frenetic 35-29 bonus-point Six Nations victory over Wales at Murrayfield to inflict a record-extending 16th loss in a row on the visitors.
Scotland's five-try victory moves them to 11 points from their four games, five behind leaders France, who they face in Paris next Saturday.
Wing Darcy Graham also crossed for the home side, who were superb in the first half to build a 28-8 lead, but the game became scrappy and loose in the second period and Scotland were unable to find the same continuity.
Wales scored four tries via fullback Blair Murray, centres Ben Thomas and Max Llewellyn, and lock Teddy Williams, and will rue some naïve play in the opening half that preceded a much improved performance in the second for interim coach Matt Sherratt.
Scotland made it three wins in a row against Wales for the first time since the 1991 Five Nations but will look at it as a game of two halves, with some sublime rugby in the first and scrappy possession in the second.
Wales won the second period 21-7, which should be a huge boost in confidence for a team that has seen some shattering lows of late, but the win they so desperately seek eludes them ahead of the visit to Cardiff of England next Saturday.
They join Italy as the only Tier-1 side to have lost 16 games in a row in the professional era.
Scotland took five minutes to score their first try at the end of 14 phases Kinghorn was free down the left wing, Huw Jones slipped the ball inside for centre partner Jordan to score the home side’s second.
Wales withstood more Scottish pressure before they hit back with a try of their own as Gareth Anscombe’s wonderfully weighted chip behind the home defence was perfect for Murray to race onto and score.
A moment of deceit from Russell sent Graham over for his 30th international try as the flyhalf delayed his pass to slip the wing into a gap for an easy score.
WillGriff John’s cynical play on his own five-yard line led to a yellow card for the Wales prop in a mad few minutes for the visitors that likely cost them the game.
They then tried to run the ball out of their own 22 and when Murray threw a wild, no-look pass inside to avoid a line-out, Thomas was unable to collect and Jordan was able to kick clear and score.
Sherratt had asked the team to be brave and ambitious, but it was naïve play.
The home side added a fifth try through Kinghorn, before Thomas scythed through a gap in the Scotland defence to get his side’s second score and replacement Williams barged his way over.
Llewellyn crossed on the hooter to give Wales two bonus points and some belief that they are beginning to turn the corner.
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