Welsh Win, but Defeat of Scotland Far from Great

At times they looked like a genuine world power, but lack of a killer instinct may count against the Red Dragons as the Six Nations draws on

Rugby Maxim states that a good team goes about its work with more time and space than their opposition, but a great team not only puts it hands around the throat of their foes, but squeezes the life out of them.

In the first half, Wales looked a really good team.  They constantly broke the advantage line—appearing to employ a flat backline attacking formation—never looked like having the defence breached, and appeared to have an extra second every time they went through a phase.

The Welsh offensive systems, defensive formations, ball handling, speed and overall rugby skill looked far superior to any other European power on display in the opening round.

But to compare the Welsh to All Blacks, the black clad current world leaders would have ruthlessly put a half century of points on the hapless Scottish team.

If Wales cannot quickly remember that Rugby is an 80 minute game, the French and the Irish look to have the arsenal to derail the first Welsh back to back Slam for 100 years.

The Scots had reasonably high expectations, given the performance of their domestic teams.  They were dealt both injury and selections woes before the game.  The non selection of Thom and Max Evans detracted from their strike potential—which was proven when the latter scored Scotland’s only try and almost another at the death after coming off the bench.

But the injury withdrawal of Euan Murray and Nathan Hines, both potential British Lions, was always going to inhibit the home team’s ability to compete.  The first scrum was a mirage as the Welsh went backwards; for the rest of the match the Red Dragons eight had Scotland on roller skates.

Of course, Wales lost Gavin Henson and Ryan Jones prior to the match, but a Six Nations champion should not whimper over the loss of two men with their level of depth.

Indeed, with the strength of their individuals, there should be a heavy red tinge to the fabled team to travel to the bottom of Africa midyear.

The Welsh pack was impressive on all fronts, although their lineout was not as smooth as the rest of the machine.  Certainly Dafydd Jones filled his captain’s boots, and Andy Powell is the best number eight in the northern hemisphere.  However, considering the heavy tonnage of the Scots pack was missing, it will be a different test against hardened packs from the Emerald isle and Les Bleus.

But it was the polished performance of the three quarter line that would have impressed not only Warren Gatland, but Ian McGeehan.  Stephen Jones is in the form of his life, although his wayward kicking radar will need immediate amending.  Mike Phillips is a tower at scrumhalf, and made the highly touted Mike Blair look second rate.

Jamie Roberts was brilliant in the midfield channels, and if Henson is fit it would be a magical Red Dragon midfield to behold.  But it is the combination of the three quarters that will likely win Wales another championship.  Shane Williams continues to twinkle around world rugby, and Lee Byrne is challenging for the berth of the best custodian on the planet.

Scotland showed enough toward the dying stages to show that they could provide some mettle for the championship.  Equally, the Welsh teams switch off in the second half proved that they may not stroll through this championship unchallenged.

For despite the first half Welsh dominance and score line, statistically it was an even game.  Possession was shared, and information such as missed tackles, line breaks, errors and turnovers were all but even.  If Scotland can overcome was appeared to be almost stage fright, they could make their long suffering faithful proud.

Wales 26

Tries:Shanklin, AW Jones, Halfpenny, S Williams

Cons: Jones 0/4
Pens: Jones 2/3
Yellow card: M Williams (Wales) - deliberate knock-down, 66.

Scotland 13

Try: Evans
Con: Paterson
Pens: Paterson 2
Yellow card: Cross (Scotland) - dangerous tackle, 20;

Scotland: 15 Hugo Southwell, 14 Simon Webster, 13 Ben Cairns, 12 Graeme Morrison, 11 Sean Lamont, 10 Phil Godman, 9 Mike Blair (c), 8 Simon Taylor, 7 John Barclay, 6 Ally Hogg, 5 Jim Hamilton, 4 Jason White, 3 Geoff Cross, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Allan Jacobsen.

Wales: 15 Lee Byrne, 14 Leigh Halfpenny, 13 Tom Shanklin, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Shane Williams, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Michael Phillips, 8 Andy Powell, 7 Martyn Williams (c), 6 Dafydd Jones, 5 Alun-Wyn Jones, 4 Ian Gough, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Matthew Rees, 1 Gethin Jenkins.