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:
Wales 20-17 Scotland, 78 minutes
To and fro, to and fro, and eventually there is an under-resourced ruck. Dillon Lewis is over the top, and two Scottish forwards trying to clear him out won’t shift the replacement tighthead prop - penalty to Wales! The Principality Stadium roars!
Finn Russell is ready to return but might his opposite number be departing? Dan Biggar is really, really struggling, but will stay on to kick the penalty for touch deep inside the Scotland 22. He performs his final duties superbly, before receiving a great ovation as Callum Sheedy is introduced. A minute and a half to play.
Wales 20-17 Scotland, 76 minutes
Blair Kinghorn gets his long legs pumping, driving away from a chasing Dan Biggar and doing just enough to present the ball way from Jac Morgan’s pilfering hands looking to steal it from him.
Pierre Schoeman, forced back into action after Rory Sutherland’s injury, is still going, and still charging about with some force.
Hamish Watson is forced to redirect himself after his initial path is blocked. Scotland going nowhere a bit.
Wales 20-17 Scotland, 75 minutes
Seb Davies replaces Will Rowlands and takes the throw of Dewi Lake on the Scotland ten-metre. Five minutes to go, two minutes or so on Finn Russell’s period in the sin bin.
Dan Biggar kicks high...Stuart Hogg claims superbly, and calls the mark.
Wales 20-17 Scotland, 74 minutes
And as he tries to rumble down the tramlines by the left touchline, van der Merwe is stripped bare once more.
Wales 20-17 Scotland, 73 minutes
Kinghorn is left waiting for the ball as Scotland instead try Duhan van der Merwe on the carry off his blindside wing. But Jonathan Davies handles him, snaring him expertly, as he has so often throughout his 99 previous test appearances, and then ripping the ball from his grip.
Wales 20-17 Scotland, 72 minutes
Ooh. There was a grimace from Wayne Pivac in the coaching box as Dan Biggar chose to drop at goal. He also doubts whether that was the right call.
Scotland overthrow a lineout but Wales knock on at the tail. Blair Kinghorn has come on for Sione Tuipulotu and will step in at first receiver, the role he plays more often than not now at club level.
DROP GOAL! WALES 20-17 Scotland (Dan Biggar drop goal, 70 minutes)
And Dan Biggar drops the ball on to his foot to knock over a simple drop goal and push Wales back in front.
Is that the right option? Wales had that penalty advantage and the freedom to play without fear. They do lead, and Scotland will remain down to 14 players for most of what remains, but there was a chance to go for five or seven - and possibly another yellow.
Wales 17-17 Scotland, 69 minutes
Better from Scotland, stopping it once, stopping it twice, and Dewi Lake is told to break away at the back. The replacement hooker very nearly rushes over as Scotland focus their efforts on combating the drive! And Dan Biggar goes closer still.
Another penalty advantage for the hosts...
Wales 17-17 Scotland, 69 minutes
Better from Scotland, stopping it once, stopping it twice, and Dewi Lake is told to break away at the back. The replacement hooker very nearly rushes over as Scotland focus their efforts on combating the drive! And Dan Biggar goes closer still.
Another penalty advantage for the hosts...
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