Wales 27 - 23 Scotland: How they rated in Cardiff

Man by man marks from the Principality Stadium.
Wales' George North is tackled by Scotland's Tommy Seymour and David Denton. Picture: David Davies/PA WireWales' George North is tackled by Scotland's Tommy Seymour and David Denton. Picture: David Davies/PA Wire
Wales' George North is tackled by Scotland's Tommy Seymour and David Denton. Picture: David Davies/PA Wire

WALES

LIAM WILLIAMS: Tried too hard at times. Not one of his more influential games. 6/10

GEORGE NORTH: Delivered his best Wales performance for a while, with a 70th-minute try just reward for his efforts. 8

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JONATHAN DAVIES: Celebrated his 50th cap with a victory, but it was hard-earned as Wales were pushed all the way. 7

JAMIE ROBERTS: Followed up his lung-busting efforts in Dublin last weekend with another outstanding effort that this time was highlighted with a try. 9

TOM JAMES: Apart from one strong second-half run, the Cardiff Blues wing had little chance to shine. 6

DAN BIGGAR: Kicked 12 points after making a rapid recovery from an ankle injury suffered against Ireland six days ago, and underlined why he is so vital for Wales. 7

GARETH DAVIES: Scored a sparking early solo try, and kept chipping away behind his forwards throughout the game. 7

ROB EVANS: Another solid showing by the Scarlets prop, who looks to be a real discovery. 7

SCOTT BALDWIN: Played his part with a hard-working shift before making way early in the second period. 6

SAMSON LEE: Gave as good as he got in the scrums during a tough set-piece battle. 7

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LUKE CHARTERIS: Impressive in the tight and loose exchanges. Put himself about impressively. 7

ALUN-WYN JONES: Ensured that Wales did not take a backward step. Showcased all his experience. 7

SAM WARBURTON: Blindside flanker is not the Wales captain’s most effective position, but he battled hard. 7

JUSTIN TIPURIC: Relished the open nature of another exciting game against Scotland. Tireless. 7

TAULUPE FALETAU: Wales’ best forward, who was a towering influence at the back of the scrum. 8

Substitutes

KEN OWENS: Took over from Baldwin early in the second period. 7

GETHIN JENKINS: Replaced Evans after 48 minutes. 6

BRADLEY DAVIES: Went on for Charteris midway through the third quarter. 7

DAN LYDIATE: Added experience to the Welsh cause during the final quarter. 7

GARETH ANSCOMBE: Went on for James with 14 minutes left. 6

TOMAS FRANCIS: Took over from Lee after 68 minutes

RHYS PRIESTLAND: Gained a late run instead of Biggar. 6

SCOTLAND

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STUART HOGG: Lasted less than half an hour before back injury ended his involvement. Cruel luck just as he was starting to purr. 7/10

SEAN LAMONT: Late replacement for injured Sean Maitland. Put in a solid defensive shift, but little option to attack. 7

MARK BENNETT: Always looking for the opportunity to find space, but faded after the break. 6

DUNCAN TAYLOR: Made his first Test start in almost two years, but his last-gasp try was too late for Scots. Also came up with try-saving tackle on North. 8

TOMMY SEYMOUR: Now has six tries in his last seven internationals. Superb under the high ball. Possibly his best display in dark blue. 8

FINN RUSSELL: Superb vision to set-up Seymour’s try with a chip to the corner, but looked casual at times when under pressure. 6

GREIG LAIDLAW: Solid leadership as always as he kept the tempo high. Flawless with the boot as he kicked 11 points. 7

AL DICKINSON: Struggled up against Samson Lee at the scrum and was quiet in the loose. 6

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ROSS FORD: Again failed to find consistent accuracy with his line-out throws and struggled to make ground in open play. 6

WP NEL: The pick of Scotland’s front row, but it was his spill which allowed Roberts in for crucial second Wales try. 7

JONNY GRAY: Was never on the same wavelength as Ford with his lineout calls, but did put in a determined tackling display. 6

RICHIE GRAY: The giant lock performed well at the set-piece and always carried with purpose. 6

JOHN BARCLAY: Came up with a couple of important turnovers in the first half, but did not show up quite as well in the second half. 7

JOHN HARDIE: The usual industrious performance from the Edinburgh flanker, but was lucky Tom James did not punish his slip-up after the break. 6

DAVID DENTON: Did not really get into the game as he was well marshalled by opposite number Taulupe Faletau. 6

Substitutes

RUARIDH JACKSON: On early for Hogg, but never as dangerous. 5

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STUART McINALLY: Carried better than Ford, the man he replaced. 6

GORDON REID: Dropped the ball on his first involvement after replacing Dickinson. 4

BLAIR COWAN: Lasted just 10 minutes before he went off injured. 4

DUNCAN WEIR: nailed a late conversion after replacing Russell. 5

TIM SWINSON: Put himself about in last few exchanges. 5

SAM HIDALGO-CLYNE: Not enough time to make impact after replacing Laidlaw. 4