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Howley concedes Wales' title hopes are over after Scotland reverse
By Peter Hanson
Rob Howley concedes that Wales’ Six Nations hopes have ended with their 29-13 defeat to Scotland, but had no complaints over the outcome of the match.
With both teams having won one and lost one of their opening two fixtures, the clash at Murrayfield was crucial for their respective championship aspirations.
It looked as though Wales were on course for a 10th straight win over Scotland as Liam Williams touched down in the first half to give the visitors a 13-9 lead at the break.
But Scotland ended the first period well and Tommy Seymour’s converted try had them in front early in the second half before Tim Visser also crossed in the 66th minute to leave Wales too much work to do.
“I think losing means our championship is over, it’s about pride in the next couple of games,” interim head coach Howley told BBC Sport.
“We’ve got Ireland next at home, it’s about getting that pride and intensity we had at home at the Principality Stadium.
“It was a disappointing and frustrating second half, but Scotland were better than us and deserved to win.”
Wales failed to score any second-half points, but Howley felt that was as much to do with an improvement in Scotland as it was a dip from his team.
“The second-half performance was not good enough,” he said.
“To go in 13-9 up and then concede two soft tries in the second half [is disappointing].
“Scotland played particularly well in the second half, they squeezed us, we lacked possession, and when we did get the possession I thought in the contact area Scotland were hugely effective in slowing down ball or getting turnovers.”
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