Wales 31 Scotland 24 (From South Wales Argus)

Wales 31 Scotland 24

4:07pm Saturday 13th February 2010

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A SHANE Williams-inspired Wales staged on of the most remarkable Six Nations comebacks to steal victory from Scotland 31-24 at the Millennium Stadium.

The little winger danced over at the death as Warren Gatland's men came back after trailing 24-21 going into the last minute.

Stephen Jones struck a penalty with seconds left on the clock and then the Ospreys winger finished off under the sticks after Wales had run the ball back from their own 22 in a breathless finale.

It masked what had been an error-strewn performance by the hosts and puts them in good spirits ahead of the clashes with France and Ireland, teams widely regarded as the top two in the northern hemisphere.

Scotland led 18-9 at the break after exploiting some woeful Welsh tackling.

The defence that was so highly-praised two years ago when Shaun Edwards' blitz scheme helped lay the foundations for a Grand Slam was exposed time and time again.

Individual errors were harming the hosts rather than the system itself with the first try on eight minutes a prime example, flanker John Barclay barging through the week double-tackle of James Hook and Gareth Cooper.

Stephen Jones knocked over a penalty only for the Scots to respond with a drop goal by fly-half Dan Parks and their second try before 20 minutes was on the clock.

Scotland were given prime field position after yet more tackles were missed and Max Evans grounded Dan Parks' grubber kick through from 10 metres.

Coach Andy Robinson had picked a side to come to Cardiff and play the percentages and Wales had played right into their hands.

Parks was able to sit in the pocket, pin their hosts back and challenge them to conjure something from deep in their own half.

They were, however, hindered by injuries to key figures with Paterson, on his 100th cap, and wing Thom Evans forced from the field before the half was out.

And Wales were able to inch their way back into the game with another pair of penalties from Jones to make it 18-9 at the break.

Yet the hosts, who brought on Richie Rees for under-fire scrum-half Cooper, shot themselves in the foot from the kick-off to allow Parks to make it a 12-point lead after full-back Lee Byrne had unwisely attempted to run it clear from his 22.

And it could have been worse, only a forward pass denied flanker Kelly Brown from applying a killer blow on 43 minutes.

Wales enjoyed territorial dominance but mistakes prevented them from putting Scotland to the sword.

But it was game on when Shane Williams conjured up a try for Byrne on 55 minutes, the little winger leaving his Ospreys teammate with the simple task of going over in the right corner after burning the visitors on the outside.

A magnificent take of a high ball on his own line under pressure by Williams had the crowd on their feet on 66 minutes.

But after calling a mark he passed on to Stephen Jones and the fly-half kicked his clearance straight down the throat of Parks, who promptly struck a superb 40-metre drop goal to put the visitors back in front by ten at 24-14.

Time was running out for Wales but it looked like the had set up a tense finale when centre Jamie Roberts powered over. Referee George Clancy (who was woeful) had other ideas, however, and ruled it out for crossing.

Yet the nervy ending did come when Shane Williams and Byrne combined to put Leigh Halfpenny over, Jones converting to put them within three points of the visitors.

And it proved crucial, the fly-half striking late against the 13-man Scots before Williams sealed a comeback to match the famous effort at Twickenham two years ago.

See Monday's Argus for a full report, reaction and pictures.

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