By Graham Thomas
JAMIE Roberts proved that some doctors don’t mind putting in a shift at weekends – and earned the praise of Warren Gatland.
Roberts was on strike for Wales as he scored the vital try in a 27-23 victory to leave Scotland still on their Six Nations sickbed.
The win was Gatland’s ninth successive triumph over the Scots. By contrast, Wales – also dosed up by a return to try-scoring form for George North – are healthily placed to chase another tournament title with matches to come against France, England and Italy.
Gareth Davies had scored in the first-half despite appearing offside, but the Scots hit back to lead 16-13 after an hour.
Roberts and North then rallied to the alarm call and Gatland said: “Jamie was outstanding, as he was last week, and deservedly man of the match. It was not just his try, but his defence was superb, also.
“George North also did something special and was a real handful.
“Scotland made the breakdown very difficult for us. Maybe that was the difference between the teams – when we had our chances we took them. You need guys for big moments.”
North’s try was a notable moment for the Northampton player who has struggled recently in Test rugby for both form and fitness.
Gatland added: “The try was something we have been working on. Sometimes players go through difficult stages and they have to come out the other side.
“It happens when players burst on to the scene. It’s about him getting the ball in his hands and becoming a real threat on the ball. I am really pleased for him and hopefully he will kick on from here.
Wales skipper Sam Warburton was also full of praise for North and Roberts.
“Both of them are incredible athletes. We all know when they take the field they can do special things. I am really pleased for them. They sometimes take a bit of criticism, but they are top class athletes.”
Wales now host France, who have won both their opening matches without convincing many of their title credentials.
They snatched a late 10-9 victory over Ireland in Paris in another stinker of a contest, following their labored win over Italy.
Gatland added: “It is still early days for France, but they had second half dominance against Ireland. It will be a tough game for us but hopefully the rest period will do us good.
George North of Wales scores try.
“Scotland proved a tough game and we really had to dig deep and grind out a victory. I thought we had to use everything we had in the tank to get the victory.
“The guys who came off the bench gave us the impetus. We made a few changes after the World Cup and they have been very effective for us.
“We are also putting teams under pressure in the scrums and that’s a very pleasing aspect for us.”
Wales
Tries – G Davies, J Roberts, G North; Cons – Biggar (3); Pens – Biggar (2)
Scotland
Tries – T Seymour, D Taylor; Cons – R Laidlaw, R Jackson (2); Pens – Laidlaw (3)
Wales: Liam Williams; North, J Davies, Roberts, James; Biggar, G Davies; Evans, Baldwin, Lee; Charteris, Jones; Warburton (capt), Tipuric, Faletau.
Replacements: Owens, Jenkins, Francis, B Davies, Lydiate, Lloyd Williams, Priestland, Anscombe.
Scotland: Hogg; Lamont, Bennett, Taylor, Seymour; Russell, Laidlaw (capt); Dickinson, Ford, Nel; R Gray; J Gray; Barclay, Hardie, Denton.
Replacements: McInally, Reid, Fagerson, Swinson, Cowan, Hidalgo-Clyne, Weir, Jackson.
