Player ratings: Masterclass in game management
OPINION: After a poor first outing in Dublin, Wales were tasked with facing in-form Scotland at home.
Past results show Wales don’t know how to lose to Scotland in Cardiff, but Gregor Townsend’s men were keen to end their hoodoo.
It wasn’t to be this year, as Wales ground out a fantastic win on home soil. A masterclass in game management saw Wales over the line.
Will Owen rates the Welsh players!
15. Liam Williams – 6
Williams was solid under the high ball and safe with ball in hand. Also kicked the Six Nations’ first-ever 50/22, which is pretty neat.
14. Alex Cuthbert – 7
There were concerns about Cuthbert’s ability to cover the backfield opposite Russell and Hogg, but this concern didn’t really come to fruition. He didn’t look out of place, and made a few great carries. Nearly scored the clinching try at the death.
13. Owen Watkin – 8
Fantastic from the first minute. Tackled everything, made the right decisions and even made a break or two. Clearly enjoyed himself.
12. Nick Tompkins – 6
Tompkins has seemingly found a new role as one of Wales’ top tacklers. While he didn’t shine, he slotted in well with the physical Biggar and Watkin. The Saracen properly emptied the tank.
11. Louis Rees-Zammit – 5
Wales’ flier was uncharacteristically passive in tackling Darcy Graham for the opening try. Had moments of discomfort but wasn’t foxed out by Finn Russell’s kicking game. Hopefully he gets a chance to run with the ball in the coming weeks.
10. Dan Biggar – 7
The Welsh captain had a strong start, kicking his goals well and auditioned for the 8 jersey with a bionic fend on Ali Price. Got stuck in at ruck time and kicked his team to the right areas in the second half, not forgetting the winning drop goal. An emotionally charged performance.
9. Tomos Williams – 8
Made the best out of some difficult situations, but wasn’t flashy. Defended Scotland’s quick lineout brilliantly. A classy show of game management from the 9, opposite the fantastic Ali Price.
1. Wyn Jones – 7
Jones was solid at scrum time. A great asset to Wales’ structure and defensively sound. Attempted a spiral kick after the whistle, which is almost worth a score of 10 in itself.
2. Ryan Elias – 8
Elias has grown into a player who is largely consistent at set-piece and is a bit of a leader up front. Helped his mate Francis over the line for a 5-pointer. A fantastic performance from the hooker.
3. Tom Francis – 9
Scrummaged well. Tackled well. Rucked well. Scored the try of the century. What a finisher. Clinical.
4. Will Rowlands – 6
A much-improved performance from Dragon Rowlands. Wales’ set-piece looked good, with help from their rangy lock.
5. Adam Beard – 6
Beard wasn’t as loudly phenomenal as usual, but he was vital in the final defensive set. A trusted figure in the Welsh pack.
6. Taine Basham- 7
Had no trouble adapting to his new role at blindside. Looks equally comfortable in the middle of the park or as an edge forward. Was lucky to escape a card at the end.
7. Jac Morgan – 8
The debutant started well, with a strong first carry and some dominant tackles. Made an excellent account for himself on his first cap. One of the star men in the Welsh pack. First of many caps.
8. Ross Moriarty – 7
Moriarty was hungry from the anthems onwards, but didn’t get carried away. A calm return to form for the number 8.
Replacements:
16. Dewi Lake – 7
Lake’s second cap was much more memorable than his first. Steadied the ship at set-piece, with a reliable performance.
17. Gareth Thomas – 5
Didn’t have a significant impact, but did receive an unconventional pass from Duhan van der Merwe.
18. Dillon Lewis – 6
Secured one of the match-winning turnovers. Say no more.
19. Seb Davies – N/A
Only played a couple of minutes.
20. Aaron Wainwright – 6
Didn’t get much opportunity with ball in hand but tackled well as per usual.
21. Gareth Davies – N/A
22. Callum Sheedy – N/A
23. Jonathan Davies – 8
Fittingly Davies was outstanding on his 100th cap. Came on at exactly the right moment, riled the crowd up and organised the defence brilliantly. A vital contribution to Wales’ deserved win.
Source: RugbyPass
