Warburton predicts 'wide open' Six Nations after Scotland run Wales close

13 February 2016 07:23

Sam Warburton is not underestimating any team in this year's RBS 6 Nations after Wales were put through their paces in a 27-23 victory over Scotland at the Millennium Stadium.

The build-up to this fixture centred on the fact that Warren Gatland had won all eight of his previous encounters against the Scots as Wales coach, although that record looked in danger when the Dark Blues took a 13-10 half-time lead on Saturday.

Tries from Jamie Roberts and George North in the final 15 minutes eventually secured a first victory in this year's competition for Wales, much to the relief of Warburton.

He told BBC1: "We definitely weren't surprised by Scotland, we knew they were going to turn up, we saw the way they played in the World Cup and last week as well. We knew it was going to be an immensely tough challenge.

"It's a tough Six Nations this year, I think it's going to be wide open."

Wales began their tournament with a 16-16 draw in Ireland, and Warburton hopes his side can emulate the Six Nations-winning side of 2013, when they were victorious in their last four matches after failing to win their opener.

He added: "Historically we tend to get gradually better as the tournament goes on, which is a positive sign for us. I think we were a little bit better than last week.

"Last week we came out of the blocks really poorly, really slow, and we ended up chasing the game so that's where you don't want to get to.

"Much better performance this week, but you've got to give credit to Scotland. They played fantastic and the way they're playing they don't deserve to be zero (wins) from (their first) two (games)."

Scotland head coach Vern Cotter took little solace in an improved display from their 15-9 opening defeat to England.

He said: "It doesn't get any easier. I don't like losing.

"The attitude was better so if we can build on that we can keep on improving. We need to get better at stopping teams scoring."

Source: PA