Dan Biggar has battled through injury to mark his 100th Test appearance with the game-clinching drop goal in a 20-17 win for Wales over Scotland in the Six Nations.
The flyhalf carried a right leg problem for much of a tight, tense battle of attrition at Principality Stadium on Saturday but stayed on until the final minute, ultimately leading his team to a first victory of their title defence after a pummelling in Ireland last weekend.
The score was tied at 17-17 with 13 minutes left when Biggar’s rival No.10, Finn Russell, was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on – moments after Biggar had struck an upright with a long-range penalty.
After turning down kicks at goal for a couple of attacking line-outs, Wales settled for three points via Biggar’s dropped goal from in front of the posts and held on with the extra man.
Biggar was joined in reaching 100 Test caps by centre Jonathan Davies, who came on as a late replacement.
Three of Biggar’s century of international appearances came for the British and Irish Lions.
“For me, it’s one of my best victories in a Welsh shirt,” Biggar said.
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Scotland were looking to follow up an opening-round 20-17 win over England and launch a championship with two straight victories for the first time in the Six Nations era.
But they fell 6-0 down after two penalties by Biggar in the opening eight minutes, only to move into an 11-6 lead thanks to Darcy Graham’s well-taken, one-handed try in the right corner and two penalties by Russell.
Russell and Biggar traded more penalties before Tomas Francis burrowed over in the 32nd minute from a maul off a lineout to leave the scores tied at 14-14 at halftime.
The second half was an arm wrestle, with both teams kicking more and showing less attacking endeavour.
Russell’s 50th-minute penalty was cancelled out by one from Biggar eight minutes later, setting up a tension-filled final quarter.
Harry Selassie
Roar Rookie
Finn Russell can be a really enjoyable player to watch when he's on song, but he's also still prone to some major mistakes, witness this Wales v Scotland game.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Scotland haven’t won in Cardiff in 20 years . No make that 21 now . Not much in it this year though . But not enough . Until that yellow card ( deserved) anyone’s game . Think Wales can thank their supporters for this win . They remain unconvincing tho . Moment they go to Pivacs NZ style they get hammered. All calls to change Jones and Foster while Pivac is getting an undeserved free ride .
Tim J
Roar Rookie
‘Some you children’ :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
I believe everyone benefits if you join rugby forum for children and beginners. That is level you belong at (sorry if I offended any children with this post, I know some you children knows a lot more than mk).
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Oh you again, go back to your hole.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
They did not expect a resilient Wales team to front up What a laughable comment. Everyone who watches 6N regularly and know a thing or two about rugby knows that Wales are very capable to grind and grit out good results even with their second stringers (as I told you last week). And there is no chance what so ever that Scotland underestimated Wales.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
True Bazza, plus I think that Scotland thought a win was guaranteed before walking out. They did not expect a resilient Wales team to front up, Scotland have a lot to think about.
Bazza
Guest
As is often the case, Scotland played their ‘grand final’ last week but that match clearly took so much out of them, they couldn’t back up this week. Scotland were desperately poor in the second half against Wales. Conversely, Congratulations must go to Wales who played bravely and are having to cope with an enormous injury list this tournament.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
You are right Harry, as the Welsh centres had a good game together. There are positives for Wales going forward, and Bigger controlled the game well. When they get their players back from injuries they will be a different beast.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Well that was a result that I did not expect, Scotland played well against England and then it was like another team turned up against Wales. Scotland will be concerned about the drop off in performance, this was such drop as a viewing spectacle compared to the France vs Ireland game. All credit to Wales for bouncing back and showing resistance, the Welsh centres stood out. Bigger showed his class and ended up winning the game, for Scotland it is back to the drawing board! Are they confident of beating France and Ireland? What a tournament this is already, bring on the next round.
Harry Selassie
Roar Rookie
Love drop kick goals, good to see Biggar win this one that way. Even match which could have gone either way but Wales really needed the win after last week. Rees-Zammit has not been much of a factor in these first two Wales games. I thought Wales' centres played well.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Disappointing match. Wales are brave but limited and Scotland really bottled this. The disparity in quality between this and the later game was enormous. France are the real deal and Ireland shouldn’t lose heart. Brave performance in H2 after being off their best in the first 40. Career highlight for Hansen. Gotta love how he’s going. Alldritt is becoming my favourite player. He is so powerful and has such a huge engine. The two French wings are wonderful too. Power, pace and skill. Four cracking anthems too. Either modern and challenging or historic and inspirational. I see Italy knocked off England in the U20 tournament yesterday. Perhaps there’s hope yet for their top team. This tournament really is something special
SwissRugbyFan
Roar Rookie
Didn’t saw that coming from my beloved Wales teams. I thougt Scottland would dominate with their pack, but Wales contain them very Well. And add Some Power to their attack. I like tain basham. Does everything with Real purpose.