Wales vs Scotland LIVE: Six Nations rugby result and score after Russell yellow card and Biggar drop-goal
Wales 20-17 Scotland: Follow live reaction as the hosts edged a Six Nations thriller in Cardiff to dent the visitors’ title hopes
Follow live reaction from the Six Nations as Wales defeated Scotland in a thrilling match in Cardiff to put a dent in the visitors’ title ambitions. The Scots arrived buoyed their opening win over England but were edged by a Wales side who were in need of a response following their heavy defeat to Ireland last weekend.
The match turned in the closing stages as Finn Russell was shown a yellow for a deliberate knock-on as Wales pushed for a winning try, with Dan Biggar opting for a drop-goal to move Wales into a 20-17 lead. Scotland, who were pushing for rare back-to-back wins to open the Six Nations, could not strike back as Wales ensured that they returned to winning ways in front of their own fans.
In the first half, Biggar kicked Wales into an early lead before Darcy Graham scored the opening try of the match as he finished in the corner from a Russell pass. Russell extended Scotland’s lead from the tee before Biggar cut the lead and then Tomas Francis powered over from a Wales lineout to level the scores at the break. There was little to separate the teams and it remained close after half-time, with Russell and Biggar exchanges penalties to set up a nervy finish at the Principality Stadium.
The crucial spell of the match came after Biggar’s long penalty effort hit the post and Wales stayed on the attack. Alex Cuthbert had a try in the corner overturned by the TMO before Russell’s yellow card was followed by Biggar’s drop-goal to seal a result that sets up a huge clash between France and Ireland later in the day in Paris.
Follow all the reaction from the Principality Stadium in the live blog below:
Match-winner Dan Biggar is also called over for a chat with the BBC
“For me, this is one of my best victories in a Welsh shirt. [Dan Biggar pauses as the crowd lifts the volume]. I think the reaction of the crowd says it all. It has been a really difficult week, we have had to put up with a lot of flak, and rightly so. To roll our sleeves up and grind out a win, this is one of my best.
“I’m just so glad to have scored more points than them. We fronted up defensively, I am really pleased for the team, myself and Jonathan Davies winning 100.
“The forwards were immense. The rolling maul was huge for us today, got us out of trouble and allowed us to gain easy yards. This team if it is anything is resilient.
“My knee was just about manageable. I didn’t want to give in. I thought we’d be alright for the final 30 seconds!”
Ryan Elias reacts to Wales’ win
What a difference a week makes. Wales hooker Ryan Elias has a chat to the BBC about the Welsh turnaround:
“It’s just huge. It’s hard to sum up really. We needed a big reaction, we just didn’t turn up last week physically.
“That spirit, never-say die attitude, to keep putting those shots in were key.
“We had a long hard look at ourselves in the week. We didn’t really fire any shots. It has paid dividends today and hopefully we can continue to build on this in the competition.”
Wales 20-17 Scotland, 83 minutes
Phase 19 - Scotland tackled. Wales stand off the ruck. Phase 20, to the right, flung away, Wales tackle strongly. In pile the red-shirted bodies! A counter-ruck! The ball is on the Welsh side. Nic Berry whistles...
PENALTY TO WALES! Victory will be theirs!
Wales 20-17 Scotland, 82 minutes
Grant Gilchrist makes three metres. Magnus Bradbury one more. Now Wales catch Scotland behind the gainline.
Jonathan Davies clings on to the midriff of Blair Kinghorn. Has Kinghorn held on? No, says referee Nic Berry. On Scotland go.
Wales 20-17 Scotland, 81 minutes
Adventure from Scotland and suddenly they have 30 metres more! Cameron Redpath is on in midfield to add another distributor to a creative backline, and he and Finn Russell combine beautifully.
Wales push Scotland back to halfway. Rory Darge is stalled, but wriggles free to ensure momentum is not fully lost.
Penalty only! Wales 20-17 Scotland, 80 minutes
The initial contact is on the arm and there is limited force, says Nic Berry as he delivers his verdict.
The referee says...penalty only. Scotland kick to about 30 metres from their own line, from where they will launch a last, improbable charge.
Wales 20-17 Scotland, 80 minutes
The clock is two seconds short of 80 minutes. This will certainly be a penalty against Taine Basham inside the Scotland 22. Yellow? Red?
Wales 20-17 Scotland, 80 minutes
Drama. The TMO wants to check a tackle from Taine Basham on Sam Skinner. It looks both high and short of the requisite wrapped arms.
Wales 20-17 Scotland, 79 minutes
Dewi Lake hits Adam Beard in the centre of the Welsh lineout. The maul will waste yet more crucial seconds. One minute to go.
Somehow, Scotland have it! Sam Skinner has stolen in like a thief in the night through the centre of the Welsh maul and they will have a last chance.
They will have to go 95 metres, though.
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