5 things we learned from Wales v Scotland

13 February 2016 07:23

Wales beat Scotland 27-23 in a pulsating RBS 6 Nations encounter at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.

Here, Press Association Sport looks at five things that were learnt from the contest.

WALES NEED TO RUN MORE AND KICK LESS

Wales once again were guilty of some aimless kicking, and they looked comfortably at their most dangerous when they moved possession wide and kept ball in hand. Late tries by centre Jamie Roberts and wing George North showed Wales' capability, and they need more of the same, moving forward.

STUART HOGG IS WORLD-CLASS

The Scotland full-back would probably be the British and Irish Lions' Test match number 15 on current form, and he was just getting into his impressive stride against Wales when he was laid low by a back injury and forced off. With the likes of Tommy Seymour and Mark Bennett also shining, Scotland's back division looks in good shape.

GEORGE NORTH - FORM IS TEMPORARY, CLASS IS PERMANENT

Wales' juggernaut wing has struggled for a while to impose himself on games at the highest level, and he has often been starved of possession, but he found himself regularly involved on this occasion. Wales benefited considerably from seeing him running at Scottish defenders, which augers well for the remaining Six Nations games this season.

SCOTLAND'S AWAY FORM BAFFLES

Despite playing some outstanding rugby in Cardiff, Scotland have still only recorded one Six Nations away win since 2010, and they have not toppled Wales on Welsh soil for 14 years. Head coach Vern Cotter is overseeing a team that looks to be improving in all areas, but their away form remains a serious issue.

SIX NATIONS TITLE BATTLE LOOKS A THREE-HORSE RACE

With Ireland's defeat in Paris on Saturday effectively putting them out of title contention, unbeaten rivals England, France and Wales now seem principal contenders for silverware. Wales' next two games are against France and England, which should go some way towards deciding the championship.

Source: PA