Rugby: Scots ruin Welsh revival dreams

EDINBURGH - The Scots and their kilted Kiwis showed no regard for Graham Henry in flattening Wales 33-20 in the Five Nations rugby championship opener at Murrayfield yesterday.

The New Zealand Maori side's bruising win over Scotland almost three months ago was put in perspective as the Scots remorselessly demolished a demoralised Welsh pack.

Former All Black John Gallagher had predicted Scotland would finish the 1999 Five Nations at the bottom of the pack, but he may have to eat his words after Scotland outpointed Wales in Edinburgh.

The Scots, seeking to forget a poor record over the last year, bounced back from 8-13 down at halftime to clinch victory with tries from backs John Leslie, Gregor Townsend and Alan Tait, and impressive lock Scott Murray.

Scotland made a sensational start with a clever move at the kickoff which saw Leslie taking a superb catch and racing over for one of the quickest tries ever in the championship.

But Wales, with a try by winger Dafydd James and a conversion and two penalties by Neil Jenkins, had the better of the first half.

In the second half Townsend moved to first five-eighths for the injured Duncan Hodge and scored an intercept try.

Wales went ahead again with a Scott Gibbs try, but Scotland lifted their game in the final 12 minutes when Tait and Murray raced over.

The big Murrayfield crowd gave John and Martin Leslie and former Waikato player Glenn Metcalfe a rapturous ovation at the end of the game. Metcalfe had a better attacking game than his opposite fullback, former All Black Shane Howarth.

Scotland can now prepare with confidence for their daunting test against England at Twickenham in two weeks.

England's February 21 performance will be watched closely by the All Blacks, who they play in the World Cup in eight months.

Wales, who flattered to deceive following their sparkling November performances against South Africa and Argentina, have everything in front of them again.

Graham Henry warned of the unrealistic expectations of a Welsh revival. The former Auckland coach heads back to Cardiff to face the music and the prospect of yet another false dawn.

Henry admitted his side failed to measure up in the forwards.

"We didn't deserve to win - in fact, we were lucky to get second. I always knew that I had a challenge taking on this job, and that view has now been reinforced. The next few months will be a test of character for us."

Wales play Ireland at Wembley on February 21.

Meanwhile, John Leslie said he was overwhelmed by the result.

"We put in a lot of effort this week, and I am glad to get my first victory in a Scotland shirt," he said.

"We planned to put new Welsh winger Matthew Robinson under pressure right from the kick off, so although it was a quick try, it was something we had been working on.

"Improvements have been made to our technical game, and the aim has been to provide the backs with quick ball.

Leslie was encouraged by Scotland driving over the advantage line 73 times to Wales' 36. The Scots also won the rucks 71-30 and ball in open play 76-38. - NZPA