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As it happenedended

Wales survive Scotland’s second-half onslaught to set-up Grand Slam tilt against Ireland

Relive all the action from the Six Nations clash at Murrayfield

Tom Kershaw
Saturday 09 March 2019 16:56 GMT
Comments
Scotland vs Wales: Alun Wyn Jones previews Six Nations clash

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Wales survived a second-half onslaught from Scotland to prevail 18-11 at Murrayfield and take one step closer towards the Six Nations Grand Slam.

Wales were cruising to a fourth win out of four when at half-time it led 15-6, a scoreline that flattered the Scots, who were coming off two bumbling losses to Ireland and France.

Then Scotland suddenly came alive to own the second half. Grant Gilchrist was held up over the line, then Darcy Graham finished a brilliant backs move, and Scotland trailed by only four with 22 minutes to go and their crowd roaring them on.

Scotland had virtually all of the possession in the half, was forcing penalties, and had Wales pinned down, but the Scots found their progress hindered by their own errors, a spill or poor pass or turnover. Wales' renowned defense also came to the fore, as it made 138 tackles in the second half after 66 in the first.

The match finished with Wales in the Scotland 22 for the first time since the end of the first half, and Gareth Anscombe kicking a second penalty.

Relive all the action below.

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Good morning and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of today's Six Nations clash between Scotland and Wales, brought to you from Murrayfield.

Wales are looking to make it four wins from four and take another step towards a Grand Slam triumph, having already beaten France, Italy and England.

Scotland meanwhile are desperate for a victory to ignite their championship after back-to-back losses to Ireland and France, and they have Finn Russell back from concussion to start at fly-half along with WP Nel back in the front row.

The match is due to kick-off at 2:15pm, with our full build-up getting underway at 1:15pm.

Jack de Menezes9 March 2019 10:05

Hello and welcome to Murrayfield where Warren Gatland's Wales are looking to edge one step closer to the Grand Slam. Here is our preview of today's game:

Tom Kershaw9 March 2019 13:34

So here's a reminder of today's teams starting with Scotland

15. Kinghorn; 14. Seymour, 13. Grigg, 12. P Horne, 11. Graham; 10. Russell, 9. Price; 1. Dell, 2. McInally (capt), 3. Nel, 4. Gilchrist, 5. J Gray, 6. Bradbury, 7. Ritchie, 8. Strauss.

Replacements: 16. Brown, 17. Reid, 18. Berghan, 19. Toolis, 20. Watson, 21. Laidlaw, 22. Hastings, 23. McGuigan.

Tom Kershaw9 March 2019 13:45

And the travelling favourites Wales:

15. L Williams; 14. North, 13. J Davies, 12. Parkes, 11. Adams; 10. Anscombe, 9. G Davies; 1. R Evans, 2. Owens, 3. Francis, 4. Beard, 5. AW Jones (c), 6. Navidi, 7. Tipuric, 8. Moriarty.

Replacements: 16.  Dee, 17. Smith, 18. Lewis, 19. Ball, 20. Wainwright, 21. A Davies, 22. Biggar, 23. Watkin.

Tom Kershaw9 March 2019 13:46
Tom Kershaw9 March 2019 13:49

Tom Kershaw9 March 2019 13:51

Tom Kershaw9 March 2019 13:51

Tom Kershaw9 March 2019 13:57

Scotland have won over half (33) of their matches played against Wales on home soil (61). 

Wales, however, have won 9 of the last 10 fixtures between the two teams.

We're less than 15 minutes away from kick-off.

Tom Kershaw9 March 2019 14:02

The first quarter of this game could be crucial. Scotland have conceded more points than any other side (25) in the first 20 minutes this Six Nations, while Wales have in fact scored fewer first half points than any other side (15).

Tom Kershaw9 March 2019 14:10

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