Scotland boss reveals flashbacks to previous Six Nations disaster during Cardiff capitulation

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend admitted that thoughts turned to their 2010 encounter with Wales during Saturday’s remarkable Six Nations match.

The visitors dominated the opening 42 minutes of the game against the Welsh, going 27-0 ahead before the hosts mounted a stunning response.

Fortunately for Townsend, Scotland managed to escape with a 27-26 victory to open their Six Nations campaign in winning fashion.

2010 game

But they almost went the same way as the 2010 side, who appeared set for a huge victory over Wales in Cardiff before 17 points in four minutes resulted in a 31-24 defeat.

Townsend was an assistant during that encounter and no doubt had plenty of nightmares over that result.

“It was a bit like 2010 and it went into my thoughts as the second half went on,” he said.

“I remember the atmosphere that day when Wales had the momentum behind them and came back on the scoreboard.

“The same happened today, fortunately we stayed ahead and we were able to play well in the final five minutes.

“A lot of effort went into that last five minutes – we should have scored a try and we felt there were a couple of penalties that could have gone our way in the last passage – but it was past 80 minutes and we got the win.”

There was disappointment in the Scotland camp, despite securing a victory which ended their Cardiff hoodoo.

For the first time in 22 years, they claimed a win in the Welsh capital and ultimately began the 2024 Six Nations campaign positively.

Discipline

However, Townsend was unhappy with their discipline as they conceded a series of penalties which almost led to Wales snatching an unlikely triumph.

“We were accurate and put Wales under pressure in the first half,” he added.

“Those two tries were really good reward and to have that cushion should have made it a more comfortable second half.

“The fact that it didn’t is a concern for us, but a lot of that was due to the penalty count (16 to four against Scotland) and the numerical advantage Wales had for 20 minutes.”

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