Scottish Rugby

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Rallying from 15-points down to grind out a gritty win over Wales demonstrates Scotland's growth as a team, according to back-row star Matt Fagerson.

The Scots' Six Nations challenge was hanging by a thread as they trailed 20-5 with half an hour to play at the Principality Stadium, but they scored three tries to snatch a 26-23 victory.

A criticism of Scotland in recent times has been their inability to come through difficult situations, something they did impressively in Cardiff.

"I think the second half especially, the belief was always there," number eight Fagerson told BBC Scotland.

"We spoke about how we were going to get up and put ourselves in positions to score.

"Once we got into that finish zone, we had a try disallowed off our trick play and that was a bit frustrating.

"The mental fortitude for the boys to then go back and put points on the board to put us into the lead, that's a massive growth in this team.

"There's plenty of years gone by that you've probably watched that we probably wouldn't have done that - that's a big positive."

We asked for your views on Scotland's thrilling comeback win in the Six Nations in Wales.

Here's what some of you said:

Willie: All credit to Scotland. In years gone by they would have crumbled under that pressure, but they dug deep and ground out a bonus point win. Finn Russell is a genius, quick thinking on his feet turned the game on its head for Darcy Graham try.

Andy: Great comeback, but all the same questions as after the loss to Italy. So many of our problems are self-inflicted, most noticeably Gregor Townsend's squad selection of three hookers, none of whom can be relied on to throw in to the line-out. So every time we get good field position from a penalty, we lose the line-out.

Chris: Honestly? Much, much happier with that win than beating England last week. Against a team that was massively fired up and clearly targeted them, Scotland found a way to win through grit, determination and a little bit of guile. Very pleased with how they pulled that back.

Barry: Time for us all to ditch the negativity and get behind the team. Credit must be given to Townsend for early changes and the players for remaining positive under pressure.

GC: Should we be pleased that the gap between the greatest Scotland team in a generation and the poorest Welsh team in a generation is three points? The team predictably underperformed yet again following a Calcutta Cup win. Credit to Wales but we were too passive up front, which let them dictate the game. If we want to be a great team then we need to stamp our authority on these encounters.

Scott: Unreal. I must admit I was thinking here we go again, same old story, save our best for England. Finn magic wins the day, bring on the French!

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter in Cardiff

Pierre Schoeman says the Six Nations victory over Wales was bigger for the Scotland team than their Calcutta Cup triumph over England.

The Scots were in a hole against the unfancied Welsh, trailing 20-5 with half an hour left to play, before finally finding their attacking game to prevail 26-23.

Having come through adversity to rescue their Six Nations hopes in Cardiff, prop Schoeman believes his side will take more from that experience than their stunning win over England at Murrayfield.

"We spoke about it afterwards, this is a bigger win for us, in my opinion," Schoeman told BBC Scotland.

"Us as a team, we don't worry about the outside noise, we love the support, but as a unit, we learned a lot more fighting for this win than the England win, perhaps.

"The learnings we took from (the defeat to) Italy as well, we have to just find a way to win.

"We speak about what we want to fix and what I like about us as a team is we learn quickly. We adapt and then we put it into place.

"I think it's only the second time in 24 years that Scotland has beaten the Welsh side here. So we take that. A Welsh man is dangerous if his back is against the wall and they made it tough and difficult for us."

Image source, PA Media

Former Scotland full-back Chris Paterson: "In some ways, this is more important or more impressive than last week when they were in control.

"Gregor Townsend was asked difficult questions and made brilliant coaching decisions to introduce players quickly.

"It's an excellent win on the road for Scotland."

Former Scotland prop Peter Wright: "They didn't play particularly well.

"But they showed grit, determination and composure. They controlled the maul well and George Turner got over for the try.

"Did we deserve it? In the end, just. We showed bottle and that's what you want."

Former Scotland captain John Barclay: "Credit to Scotland for coming back. It was brave of them after the restart to go and attack Wales and the game changed after that Graham try. Scotland got away with that.

"Wales were brilliant. There was so much in that for Wales to build on and they'll be frustrated that they haven't won.

"But there were so many positives for Wales."

Former Wales fly-half Jonathan Davies: "I thought they looked far better in their attacking shape and they did what they had to do. They built pressure, they forced errors.

"The turning point was that Darcy Graham try.

"At international level you cannot allow opposition to score a try straight from the restart when you've got 15 players in your own half."

Image source, PA Media

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend speaking on BBC One:"That was some game. It would have been great for the neutrals. We left it late but I'm really proud of the effort in the second-half.

"It's not just a physical effort, it's a mental effort too - finding solutions, staying together and riding momentum waves.

"Wales started really well, played with real energy. Tactically they were excellent. They took us on wide and defended well.

"We needed to up our effort in the second-half, which we did and our bench made an impact which was pleasing."

[On Darcy Graham's try]: "That was a big moment in the game and credit goes to Finn for seeing that space and Darcy being alive to it. The scrum penalty near the end was a huge moment too.

"It's a 23-man game and we backed our bench. I thought Josh Bayliss was outstanding.

"We're still in the championship. That's all that counts.

"Today showed - not just our game - that anything can happen in the championship.

"We'll be underdogs against France and we know we'll have to play our best rugby."

Scotland staged a thrilling comeback to beat Wales in Cardiff and remain on course for a first Triple Crown since 1990.

Gregor Townsend's side trailed 20-5 and 23-12 but rallied in the second half with a 74th-minute try from replacement hooker George Turner sealing the victory.

Have your say on the game

Read the match report

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter in Cardiff

Image source, SNS

Blair Kinghorn and Duhan van der Merwe are "war ready" to take on Wales as they prepare for their first outing in this Six Nations, according to Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu.

The British and Irish Lions backs were left out for the round one defeat by Italy - and last weekend's stunning victory over England.

Both have been restored to the starting line-up for Saturday's showdown at the Principality Stadium and Tuipulotu expects them to show exactly what they can do.

"I'm challenging them to do that because we need that," the centre said.

"Obviously [Jamie] Dobie's injury, the way that he played last week, not just last week, but the form that he's been in this year, those boys know they need to come in and fill those shoes and then go up a level like we know they can.

"But I've been really proud of how they've responded, not only to not playing the first two games but how they've trained this week and prepared this week. They look war ready to me.

"And I'm really excited to play with them and smile on the field with them. And I'm really excited for them to put out their best rugby, which I've got a really good feeling they will."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend hopes recalled players Blair Kinghorn and Duhan van der Merwe have an added motivation to impress in Saturday's Six Nations trip to Wales.

The experienced duo, who have over 100 caps between them have, not featured in the first two matches of the campaign. However they have returned to the fold and will start the Cardiff clash.

When asked if the British and Irish Lions pair will have extra incentive to catch the eye in the Welsh capital, Townsend said "I hope so.

"I hope they realise what is required now they have been out of the team and are desperate to not to be in this situation again.

"There is obviously very good competition around our back three right now and they are aware of that because they didn't get selected in the first two games.

"But they are also aware that they will have to play well to be in the mix for the French game."

Edinburgh winger Darcy Graham, who has been capped 52 times, is still waiting for his first start of this Six Nations having been named among the replacements for the third game in a row.

"I think Darcy is unlucky to miss out," Townsend added.

"Darcy has been really good over the last few weeks in training, he has been excellent off the bench but we see him having a big impact at the weekend.'

"I know there will be highly motivated players that are coming back in to the team but there are also players off the bench that are desperate to make an impact."

We asked for your views on Gregor Townsend's team selection to face Wales this weekend.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Colin: Would have preferred Kyle Rowe at full-back. Blair Kinghorn is overrated and makes too many mistakes when under pressure. Still, here's hoping he has a good one.

Keith: It looks a good team. Scotland has a better strength in depth now. It is a potentially winning team if they perform well. We have to be positive about the team.

Willie: I think it's wise to mix it up a bit, Duhan van der Merwe likes this fixture and combines well with Finn Russell but I wouldn't start him in last two fixtures. Still don't get why Gregor Hiddleston can't get a game over Dave Cherry or George Turner.

Bob: Good to freshen things up. Jack Dempsey is a big miss. Kyle Rowe can feel disappointed, his form deserves a 23 spot. Actually thought Elliot Millar Mills deserved to start with Zander Fagerson on the bench.

David: Still not convinced about Van der Merwe, as teams now know his weakness under the high ball. The game will turn on whether he gives away more points by his defensive frailty than he scores with his attacking power. Personally I would have picked Kyle Rowe or Ollie Smith ahead of him as both are defensively better and are pretty good going forward as well.

Sam: Clearly Gregor Townsend has no fear of the Welsh attack when he can recall two of the most inept defending backs into the starting XV while maintaining a third on the bench. Grant Gilchrist should be nowhere near the 23 after his performance in Rome. Could have brought in Freddie Douglas as Gregor Brown and Josh Bayliss are more than good enough to cover lock.

Neil: A decent looking squad. A shame Craig isn't involved, would loved to have seen him have a crack at his old club mates. Gilchrist has been a great servant for club and country but you have to feel his race had been run by the Italy game. Also it's a shame Douglas isn't on the bench as this feels like a great opportunity for him to step up to a Six Nations test and I think most fans would feel confident that he could with gusto.

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Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has been speaking to the media after naming his team to face Wales on Saturday.

There are five changes from the team that beat England, as British and Irish Lions duo Blair Kinghorn and Duhan van der Merwe return.

Here are the main points from Townsend's news conference:

• Townsend was impressed with Kinghorn's performance for Toulouse at the weekend and insists he's "recovered quickly" while Van der Merwe has "trained really well".

• As a result, the Scotland staff expect the Edinburgh winger "to play his best rugby" and are keen to "make sure he's got opportunities to run" because that's when they feel he plays his best rugby.

• Townsend stresses there will be "a freshness around both of them" as well as "a huge determination to play well".

• On the challenge of Wales, the Scotland boss expects their opponents "will be highly motivated" and for them to play with "a lot of passion".

• Townsend knows it will be a noisy atmosphere at the Principality Stadium and is preparing for the challenge of Wales playing their best rugby.

• He's hoping his side can "deal with Wales' set piece threats" and wants his bench players to make an impact after again opting for a five-three split.

• After a week training in Spain, Townsend is urging his side to "play with a lot of energy", while saying Vitamin D is "good for the soul".

• After the victory over England, Townsend says they have to back it up and believes his players are "really keen to go again".

• On the suggestion Scotland will be heading to Wales as favourites, Townsend says: "I'm sure last week a lot of people thought England were clear favourites" and says predictions are irrelevant - "it's what you do in those 80 minutes."

• On coming up against former Scotland defence coach Steve Tandy, Townsend says "we think very fondly of Steve, he's been a big influence on our players" and expects to catch up over a beer after the game, regardless of the result.

Scotland head coach Gregor Townend has named Blair Kinghorn and Duhan van der Merwe in the backs for Saturday's Six Nations meeting with Wales in Cardiff.

Kinghorn's return at full-back and Van der Merwe's place on the wing are two of five changes made by Townsend following last Saturday's victory in the Calcutta Cup.

In the pack, Dave Cherry is in at hooker, Max Williamson takes up a place in the second row and Matt Fagerson joins the back row.

The Scots opened with a narrow loss in Italy before a convincing win over England last weekend.

Full-back Tom Jordan and hooker George Turner drop to the bench, while Jamie Ritchie, Jack Dempsey and Jamie Dobie miss out.

Share your views here.

Scotland: Kinghorn, Steyn, Jones, Tuipulotu, Van der Merwe, Russell, White; McBeth, Cherry, Z. Fagerson, Williamson, Cummings, Brown, Darge, M. Fagerson.

Replacements: Turner, Schoeman, Millar Mills, Gilchrist, Bayliss, Horne, Jordan, Graham.

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Scotland's chief sportswriter Tom English has been answering some of your Scottish rugby questions.

Lyall asked: Given how unbeatable France are looking, if Scotland can win in Ireland and get that monkey off their back, is this a successful championship regardless of final position?

Tom answered: If Scotland beat Wales, give an incredible France team a proper game and then beat Ireland then that, for me, is a successful season for sure. The Italy game is gone and nothing can be done about it now. Your scenario would be give Scotland a Triple Crown (old school concept, I know, but it's still valuable in my view). A win over Ireland would be a significant step forward, if it happens.

Stuart asked: Can we hope for some of the younger players to get a chance during the remaining games in the Six Nations?

Tom answered: Well, Liam McConnell is injured. Freddy Douglas? That's difficult with Rory Darge playing the way he did against England. Would you have a specialist seven on the bench? Probably not. Gregor Hiddleston? Don't think so. He appears to be fourth in the pecking order, which is unfair I think.

There are young ones in there already, of course. Max Williamson is only 23, Jamie Dobie and Gregor Brown are 24. Is 24 still considered young?

Roddy asked: What a response from this team. Wondering if the Italy loss may make Scotland a stronger team moving forward?

Tom answered: They have to use it as a positive, for sure. A positive in the sense that they never want to feel like that again. If this is the catalyst, then it was a price worth paying. We've been here before, of course. It has to be different this time.

Adam asked: Saturday's result was about as typical as a Scotland performance you can get and was because the players did it for Gregor Townsend. But why can't Scotland find that same spark in games outside of the Calcutta Cup?

Tom answered: Spark, accuracy, self-belief, ruthlessness - call it what you will - they have it against England and they don't have nearly enough of it in other games. I don't think it's a passion thing. Scotland always have passion for the fight. It's just their psychology is weak sometimes. Also, England would want to look themselves in the mirror and ask why do they keep losing this game. Maybe it says more about England than it says about Scotland. Whatever the truth of all of this, a line has to be drawn in the sand now. Scotland cannot go back to what they were in Rome - an awful lineout, butchered try-scoring chances, damaging ill-discipline. They're better than that and they need to show it consistently, not just for 40 or 50 minutes. Or no minutes.