By Lestyn - 30/08/03
August 30 2003

This result has probably saved Steve Hansen's job, but the same could be very much said for defence coach Clive Griffiths. Wales made five times as many tackles as the Jocks in an error ridden game, but still stopped them from scoring a try.

Even if ref Chris White had a good game, his whistle still spoilt what could have broken into an open encounter today. But luckily it was only really Scotland that were suitably punished on the score board. Iestyn Harris slotted five penalties over. Wales were as guilty of killing ball as the Scot's, but most of those were fortunately well out of kicking range.

Ian McGeechan must have been pulling his hair out as he watched his side spurn chance after chance. Welsh defence was good, but at international level You'd expect a side to touch down with at least one of their thirty plus opportunities in the opposition's 22. A bit of direction at nine may have made a big difference, Graeme Beveridge didn't really seem to have a clue what was going on.

The only try of the game came after some typical Scottish defensive confusion, Tom Shanklin turned the defence and broke a tackle before the ball was recycled and thrown back in field for Michael Owen to collect and touch down. Owen's try opened a clear gap up between the sides with a quarter to go, that the clueless Scots could never fill.

Even if the visitors were rubbish, there were some big Welsh performances. Colin Charvis was a completely new player to the one we saw last week, immense in defence and affective with ball in hand. One criticism of the man though - as good as two of his breaks were in the first half, his off load's should have been a lot better. Another chance went begging when Ceri Sweeney charged down a lazy Brendan Laney kick in the middle of the Scot's half, but knocked on when he should have kicked ahead. Sweeney confirmed a hard fought Welsh victory, with a sweetly struck drop goal five minutes from time.

At last a win even if the performance isn't completely there yet, at least We've got something to build on before the World cup. Not the strongest Scottish XV, with Redpath, Taylor and Tom Smith all missing but this wasn't exactly our strongest side either.

Positional Reviews;

Back three: Now two alternatives to Kevin Morgan for Hansen. Garan Evans looked very comfortable in defence at 15, with a few nice touches in attack. On the wing's Robinson and Watkins looked unsurprisingly out of position, they didn't really offer much out wide.

Centre: Harris controlled things and was always finding gaps, unfortunately too many aimless kicks straight down Glenn Metcalfe's throat. Shanklin fed off his centre partner a few times, making a few half breaks before the one that led to the only try.

Half backs: Even though it was his best game in a Welsh shirt, it highlighted that Dwayne Peel still isn't good enough for international rugby. He doesn't have the influence or strength to make it at this level, but Hansen rates him so he's off to Oz anyway. On the other hand, forcing himself into the number ten shirt for the RWC, was Ceri Sweeney. The Warriors player read Iestyn really well all match.

Back row: As said above Charvis was immense. Parks worked his socks off but was offside too much. Popham had a few good ball carry's and was unfortunate to get injured so early, his replacement Matt Oakley did his best to make an impact. Still think were short of a natural number eight, Jonathan Thomas who didn't play today should be looked at as an option as well.

Second row: Much improved area this week, Michael Owen looked like he's settled in a bit more, although he could have upped his work rate. Thought that Vernon Cooper showed glimpses of good form, but perhaps a little out of depth at this level.

Front row: McBryde had his best game for since I can't remember, tackled like a demon, threw in mostly straight as well. Duncan Jones had his last chance to push for a World cup spot and took it, goodbye Ben Evans. Adam Jones was fairly useful as well. Scrum looked solid, but lacked control at times.

Wales 23: Owen try, Sweeney drop goal. Harris 5 pens

Scotland 9: Laney 3 pens

Thankfully that's the summer internationals over and done with, and a World cup to look forward to with a win under our belts. But first of all there's the squad announcement on Monday,who do You think should be going? Tell us on the message board