PHEW!

That was a relief!
Very poor Scotland team, but then you can only beat what's in front of you.
Was the Hook experiment a success? Partially, there was a more adventurous mood to the team, but when the yellow cards came Hook seemed to go with them. Very much as he was when he p[layed there for the Ospreys. With his age and experience he ought to be better, Perpignan will certainly expect him to be.
Big question now, is who will get the nod for the Italian game, Preistland anyone ?

I think Hook is a good 10 when the team is going forward but he is not that good when the team is on the back foot.
Scotland were absolutely dire yesterday but Wales put them under the cosh early and never let them find their rythem.

To me it was the aggressive defence from Wales that so unsettled the Scottish attack, the early blitz attack caught the Scots by surprise, two yellows slowed the welsh team down, but then high in your face defence stopped the Scots behind the gainline. Hence the number of errors.

Agreed.

Pundits seem to be focusing on Hook's first 20 minutes - as opposed to the aimless following 60 where he didn't direct the backs, kicked poorly infield and I felt we always relying on our defensive play.

I still rate Jones as a 10 - he was slightly concussed against England after that knock on Foden early. Hook was still pretty clueless there.

But Hook should do well against the Italians - tailor made for him.

I'd like to see Priestland have a chance - just to see if he can cut it at international level - as things stand we just don't know.

For me, Wales tremendous defensive effort whilst down to 13 men won them the match. Had Scotland got a score or two (which should really happen against 13 men) Scotland would have got some momentum and it would have been a totally different match.
Excellent stuff from Wales considering everyone (myself included) didnt really give them much of a chance after both teams respective performances in the 1st round matches.

oxring

Totally agree, Hook did well but after the yellows just when the team needed him, he went missing. I too would like to see Preistland have time against the Italians.

eirebilly

Like you i was not too certain what the outcome of the game would be BEFORE a ball was kicked, at the two yellow card incidents my heart sank, and even with the welsh defence HOW didn't the Scots score?