Wales late loss ‘gut-wrenching’ – Lake

Wales captain Dewi Lake labelled Scotland’s late Six Nations victory at Principality Stadium as “gut-wrenching”.

The Welsh losing streak in the tournament has stretched to 14 games despite a dramatically-improved performance in Cardiff.

Wales led from prop Rhys Carre’s try in the ninth minute until replacement hooker George Turner went over with 73 on the clock.

“It’s gut-wrenching,” said hooker Lake, with a losing bonus point little consolation. “It’s a tough feeling because you know the performance was there.

“The things that we spoke about through the week, we delivered. In the first half we were dominant – we applied pressure and attacked them.

“We’ve spoken a lot about staying in moments and didn’t do that for the full 80 minutes, which is why the scoreboard went against us.

Tandy enjoyed an autumn win against Japan, but was agonisingly close to a first statement victory of his reign.

Wales led at half-time for the first time since he has called the shots and were 20-5 and 23-12 in front in the second half.

“I am bitterly disappointed not to win the game, but have massive pride in the group,” said the former Scotland defence coach.

“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.”

After French fans took over Principality Stadium in round two, Tandy hailed the impact of the home backing in a crowd of 70,649.

“The support today was incredible,” he said. “There are lots of questions asked about the crowds, but they were unbelievable.

“Everyone felt it. The players gave them something to cheer about, but ultimately they got behind the team. It’s a snapshot of what we want to be.”

Back-row forward Taine Plumtree and fly-half Sam Costelow look unlikely to play again in the tournament.

Tandy was part of the Scotland management team for six years and his gameplan earned the praise of his former boss.

“Tactically they were outstanding,” said Gregor Townsend. “They moved the ball quickly at the beginning, played around the ruck which was tough to defend, their set-piece was excellent and defensively, which we probably hadn’t seen from them, they targeted our breakdown and kept their width.

“They set up the team very well and they have some excellent players; we knew Wales would play well and knew the quality they have in the team.