Error code: %{errorCode}

Rugby Union

Wales head coach Warren Gatland says first half against Scotland was 'worst of his coaching career'

Philip Marsh
Wales head coach Warren Gatland says first half against Scotland was 'worst of his coaching career'Getty
Wales almost completed the most unlikely of comebacks in Cardiff.

Wales and Scotland played out one of the most exciting Six Nations games in recent years on Saturday afternoon, as the Scots won in Cardiff for the first time in 22 years.

The visitors were 20-0 up at half-time and extended the lead to 27 points immediately after the restart.

But with the game seemingly over, Wales suddenly sprung into life and almost completed the biggest comeback in Six Nations history - only to lose 27-26.

The two halves could not have been more different for Wales, who hardly threatened Scotland in the first 40 minutes of the match.

And despite being pleased with the reaction he saw, Wales head coach Warren Gatland said the first half was the worst of his coaching career.

Gatland told S4C after the match: "We were terrible, shocking. I can apologise for the first half.

"It's probably the worst first 40 [minute] performance in my whole rugby career as a coach.

"The message at half-time was to do what we wanted to do in the first, bring some tempo, play with a bit of intensity and play some rugby, nothing flashy.

"I think some guys came off the bench and had some impact, we were so slow in the first half, things like opportunities for quick taps to get us back in the game.

"The players should be disappointed with the first half but proud for the second half that they didn't throw the towel in and could have won the game."

Next up for Wales is a trip across the Severn Bridge to face England at Twickenham on February 10.

Live on DAZN: Super Bowl LVIII for just £0.99. Click here for details.

Watch on YouTube