Wales' late loss 'gut-wrenching' - Lake

Wales captain Dewi Lake labelled his team's late Six Nations defeat by Scotland as "gut-wrenching".

Wales looked set to end their 13-game losing streak with a dramatically improved performance in Cardiff.

Wales led from prop Rhys Carre's try in the ninth minute until George Turner's winning try for Scotland six minutes from time.

"It's gut-wrenching. It's a tough feeling because you know the performance was there," said Lake.

"We delivered the things we spoke about through the week. In the first half we were dominant – we applied pressure and attacked them.

"We've spoken a lot about staying in moments and didn't do that for the full 80 minutes, which is why the scoreboard went against us.

"We probably did enough to win the game, which makes it so tough."

Tandy enjoyed an autumn win against Japan but was agonisingly close to a first statement victory of his reign.

Wales led at half-time for the first time since under his charge and were 20-5 and 23-12 in front at times of the second half. But ultimately they were left with just a losing bonus-point.

"I'm bitterly disappointed not to win the game but have massive pride in the group," said Tandy.

"That was a step in the right direction but we've got to be better next time. There was a lot to like in the first half with how we attacked the game. That was excellent."

After French fans took over Principality Stadium in round two, Tandy hailed the impact of the home backing from a crowd of 70,649 inside the Principality Stadium.

"The support today was incredible. There are lots of questions asked about the crowds, but they were unbelievable," said Tandy.

"Everyone felt it. The players gave them something to cheer about, but ultimately they got behind the team. It's a snapshot of what we want to be."

Scarlets pair Taine Plumtree and Sam Costelow look unlikely to play again in the tournament.

Back-row Plumtree (shoulder) and fly-half Costelow (lower leg) are to undergo scans on Monday.

"Sam doesn't look good," said Tandy.

"He's been through a lot in his Wales career with not being involved in the autumn but we backed him to come back in and he really took that opportunity.

"He was fantastic with the way he drove the team forward in that first half. It's such a shame for him that it ended with injury."

Tandy was Scotland defence coach for six years and his gameplan earned the praise of his former boss.

"Tactically they were outstanding," said Gregor Townsend.

"Wales moved the ball quickly, played around the ruck which was tough to defend, their set-piece was excellent and defensively, which we probably hadn't seen from them. They targeted our breakdown and kept their width.

"They set up the team very well and they have some excellent players. We knew Wales would play well and knew the quality they have in the team.

"They deserved to be ahead and it took a huge effort to get back in the game and ahead on the scoreboard."