A second-half yellow card to Scotland fly-half Finn Russell proved decisive as the home side edged a tight encounter to ensure they bounced back from their defeat to Ireland in the opening round of fixtures.
Darcy Graham’s first-half try for Scotland was cancelled out by Welsh prop Tomas Francis as the sides entered the break level at 14-14 with the rest of the points coming from the boot of Russell and Wales captain Dan Biggar.
Russell and Biggar traded penalties in the second-half but it was Biggar who made the difference with the winning drop goal seven minutes from time while Scotland were down to 14 men after Russell was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on.
Our chief rugby writer Graham Bean talks you through how the Scotland players rated ...
1. Pierre Schoeman
A first Six Nations start for the Edinburgh prop who acquitted himself well. Made way for Rory Sutherland but soon returned to the field when the Worcester prop get injured. - 7 Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group / SRU
2. Stuart McInally
Back in the starting line-up and solid enough. Replaced on 44 minutes with the rest of the front row. - 6 Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group / SRU
3. WP Nel
Conceded an early scrum penalty but soldiered on until Zander Fagerson took over. - 6 Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
4. Jonny Gray
Tough shift for the lock who was injured in the second half and replaced by Rory Darge, necessitating a reshuffle with Sam Skinner moving into the second row. - 5 Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group