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:
NO TRY! France 27-24 Ireland, 77 minutes
There’s no conclusive evidence that Jaminet has got it down! What a remarkable effort from Dan Sheehan to just about keep Irish hopes alive.
It will still be France’s penalty beneath the posts. Gael Fickou has taken over the captaincy and points at goal. The time will tick over the 78 minute mark as Melvyn Jaminet lines up his kick.
Try? France 27-24 Ireland, 77 minutes
Has Dan Sheehan held the full-back up? This would be a remarkable tackle from the young hooker. Jaminet seems a certainty to score as he escapes the clutches of Hugo Keenan but Sheehan somehow snares him, showing that oh-so-impressive turn of pace.
It looks like Sheehan’s digits but be beneath the ball as Jaminet slides over...
France 27-24 Ireland, 77 minutes
Penalty to France! Caelan Doris is part of the ruck and off his feet and his hand should not be there...
Advantage coming, but can France kill the game more certainly? Melvyn Jaminet slithers out of a tackle...
France 27-24 Ireland, 76 minutes
Again Romain Ntamack goes to the boot, putting Ireland under pressure with his high bomb. France soon win the ball back.
Deft from Gael Fickou! A surprise, skilful chip that Thibaud Flament can collect. This could be the chance to seal it.
France 27-24 Ireland, 75 minutes
And yet still France are prepared to play. Melvyn Jaminet throws a lineout to Romain Ntamack swiftly, and the fly-half kicks deep.
There’s an anguished cry from the Ireland bench as Mack Hansen slightly shanks his clearance. France lineout near the ten-metre line in opposition territory.
France 27-24 Ireland, 73 minutes
Ireland’s starting props have finally run out of puff - Cian Healy and Finaly Bealham on; Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong off. Dylan Cretin and Maxime Lucu are on in the French back-row and at scrum-half respectively. There are plenty of fatigued bodies out there.
PENALTY! France 27-24 IRELAND (Joey Carbery penalty, 72 minutes)
Joey Carbery steps up and sends the ball on a safe flight between the posts. It’s another Six Nations nail-biter.
France 27-21 Ireland, 71 minutes
Are France just starting to tire? The line speed seems to have dropped off slightly, though they continue to populate the ruck with bodies whenever they sniff an opportunity to counter-ruck.
Here they come. Thibaud Flament looses his footing and lands on the ball - off feet. Ireland penalty, and eminently kickable.
France 27-21 Ireland, 69 minutes
Gregory Alldritt stands upright in the tackle and offloads to Francois Cros, who nearly fires Gabin Villiere for the line like an arrow, drawing back his bow but not quite finding the onrushing wing with his pass.
France 27-21 Ireland, 68 minutes
Ireland back in possession and back on the attack. They have numbers on the left but France’s two defenders rush up to force a hurried pass, which hits the deck. Damian Penaud fly-hacks ahead. Ireland get bodies back to prevent him retreiving it.
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