By Colin Moffat BBC Sport at Murrayfield

Scott Murray was a key performer for Scotland

Big players come of age in big games.

And they don't come much bigger than Scott Murray, who showed real strength of character to turn in an impressive display in Scotland's 30-22 win over Wales.

The towering Edinburgh lock was originally left out of the squad, following below par performances in the opening defeats to Ireland and France.

However, injury to Martin Leslie earned the no.4 a reprieve and how Murray seized his chance.

He was back to his imposing best in the line-out, working well alongside fellow giants Stuart Grimes and Simon Taylor.

Scotland 30-22 Wales

The Scots kept their line-out strategy nice and simple.

Gone were the complicated codes and bewildering signals that have characterised set-pieces in recent times and the move paid dividends for the home side.

Scotland were steady on their own ball and stole possession on five occasions.

In a first half during which Scotland completely dominated, Murray was a huge physical presence in the loose.

And in the second period, when the Scots were under the cosh, his tackling was fierce and assured - one shuddering intervention preventing a certain try.

All of the Scottish players upped a gear or two but Murray deserves special mention for his extraordinary work-rate.

After the debacle in Paris, Murray experienced the wrath of Scotland's director of rugby Jim Telfer, in what was described euphemistically as a "wee chat".

Telfer is a ferocious character and not known for mincing his words.

Murray also revealed that he had been given a stern talking to from Edinburgh coach Todd Blackadder - and the former Kiwi skipper is far from a shrinking violet.

Judging by his impressive response, Murray was obviously stung by the criticism and was determined to put the Ireland and France games behind him.

Scotland hooker Gordon Bulloch, who fed the line-out with admirable precision, was full of praise for his team-mate.

Scotland low-key after win

"Scott was outstanding out there," enthused Bulloch.

"He was given a public kick up the backside and showed great character to bounce back.

"He took a bit of a hammering and had a bit of time to re-think his whole approach.

"He met the challenge head-on and showed everyone that he is the world class performer we all know he is."