Scotland left it late to deny Wales a first Six Nations victory for three years, edging in front with five minutes to play to seal a 26-23 victory in Cardiff.
A much-improved first-half performance from Wales saw them go in at the break 17-5 ahead courtesy of Rhys Carre and Josh Adams tries, but the second half saw them come under far more pressure.
Finn Russell, Darcy Graham and George Turner scored second-half tries for Scotland, following Kyle Steyn’s effort in the opening 40, as Gregor Townsend’s charges fought back for a vital victory.
This was Scotland’s fourth consecutive victory over Wales, their best run since winning five in a row between 1923 and 1927, and will head to Dublin on the final weekend of Championship action with the Triple Crown on the line.
Wales were desperate for a positive start after being blitzed in the opening quarter by England and France.
But Wales were reduced to 14 inside five minutes as Joe Hawkins made shoulder to head contact on Gregor Brown and received a yellow card.
A bunker review ended with no further punishment for the centre, but Wales were disadvantaged for 10 minutes and Adams prevented Scotland from taking the lead with a goal-line interception.
Wales made the most of that escape after 10 minutes as Tomos Williams’ tap penalty set up a forward drive that ended with prop Carre scoring for the second successive game after crossing against France.
Wales prop Rhys Carre forced his way over for the opening try in the 10th minute
Costelow converted but Wales lost flanker Taine Plumtree to a shoulder injury and Scotland were soon baring their attacking teeth again.
Sione Tuipulotu drove through the middle and Finn Russell released Blair Kinghorn to send over Steyn in the corner moments before Hawkins returned to the fray.
Kyle Steyn scored Scotland’s only point of the opening half
This was a far different Wales, however, to the timid team beaten by England and outclassed against France, and the lead was extended after 19 minutes.
Dewi Lake, scurrying on the floor at one point, made crucial yardage and Wales charged to the try line again.
Costelow kept his composure to send Adams over out wide, and added another five points with a touchline conversion and straightforward penalty as Wales continued to win the physical battle.
Costelow took Wales’ lead to beyond two scores with his second penalty and Scotland’s frustration was summed up by Huw Jones – who crossed twice against England – dropping the ball with the try line calling him.
Josh Adams (right) scored Wales’ second as they went in 17-5 ahead at half-time
But Russell made no mistake after Scotland pounded the home line with 20-plus phases, the fly-half spotting space and converting his own score.
Replacement fly-half Jarrod Evans’ first involvement was to extend Wales’ lead with a penalty, but Scotland struck straight from the kick-off.
Finn Russell stepped up to score Scotland’s second try in the 55th minute
Russell sent the ball over the head of James Botham and Graham was alert to collect the bouncing ball. Russell added the extras to cut the gap to 23-19.
Wales missed the chance to extend their lead when a penalty was overturned for foul play, and that proved critical as replacement hooker Turner claimed Scotland’s bonus point try five minutes from time with Russell adding the final gloss.
Townsend: Comeback win will do us good | Tandy: I’m devastated
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend said:
“I think we overcame a hurdle coming back against a quality team and how we played in that second half.
“We probably won’t look at the history side of it (failing to back up big wins). We know that was there and we wanted to build on the performance, but Wales had all the momentum in that first half.
“I was just so proud to see the team staying together, finding solutions, not taking the easy way out. They fought to the end and they were desperate to get the win but it was more than that.
“It was control, it was intelligence, obviously a very close victory. But one that will do us a lot of good.”
Wales head coach Steve Tandy said:
“That was a step in the right direction, but we’ve got to be better next time.
“There was a lot to like in the first half with how we attacked the game. That was excellent.
“There was more of what we wanted to see as a group. I’m coaching this team and I’m devastated for them. It’s a snapshot of where we want to be.
“There’s large parts of that game where if we keep growing and adapting, we’ll be in the fight.”
Wales captain Dewi Lake added:
“It’s gut-wrenching.
“Credit to Scotland, they are a class outfit. Our boys fronted up, were dominant in the first half, but Scotland had their moments in the second.”
What’s next?
Wales travel to face Ireland in Round 4 of the Six Nations on Friday March 6 at Aviva Stadium in Dublin (8.10pm kick-off).
Scotland host France at Murrayfield in Edinburgh on Saturday March 7 (2.10pm kick-off).
