By Graham Thomas
Jamie Roberts believes Wales can still win the Six Nations title despite letting victory slip through their fingers in Dublin.
The Wales centre is convinced that Sunday’s 16-16 draw against Ireland can be followed by successive victories over Scotland, France and England.
That would leave Wales going into the final weekend of the tournament with a home fixture against Italy as the springboard to a possible head-to-head points-chase with Ireland who end their campaign hosting Scotland.
“We won a championship in 2013 after losing a game and we all know what happened last year when teams dropped a game, so the championship is wide open,” said Roberts.
“If we win our next three games we’ll be in with a shout. But Scotland are an impressive team. They were desperately unlucky in the World Cup and Vern Cotter has really taken them on.
“They will cause us a huge threat. We know we have things to work on and we are looking forward to a sold-out Principality Stadium.”
Harlequins recruit Roberts was at the forefront of Wales’ attacking thrust as Warren Gatland’s team came from 13-0 down after half an hour to lead 16-13 with six minutes remaining.
But a needless penalty conceded to Johnny Sexton enabled Ireland to rescue a draw in a contest notable mostly for constant collision, rather than moments of class.
“I suppose you look at big moments in games and we will look back at that and kick ourselves that we didn’t go on to win that game,” added Roberts, one of Wales’s best performers at the Aviva Stadium.
“Ireland, in fairness, came out of the blocks quicker than us. They played far better than us in the opening 20.
“We’ve done very well to come back into it and on 76 minutes we’ve got the game won.
“We’ve exited poorly and ultimately that has gifted them three points. If that ball ends up in the Irish 22 it’s game over. So that’s disappointing.”
Wales are giving careful treatment to Dan Biggar as he attempts to overcome an ankle injury in time for Saturday’s game against the Scots.
Coach Warren Gatland – who sent on Rhys Priestland to replace Biggar after 21 minutes – was content with the back-up plan.
“I thought Rhys played well when he came on. We were happy with his performance,” said Gatland.
“Dan has a high ankle sprain, so we’ll know more on that in the next 24 to 48 hours.
“Whether he’s got to be scanned or not I don’t know. It’s difficult to make assessments so soon after the game.”
Gatland admitted the draw – which rules out hopes of a Triple Crown or Grand Slam season – had left him disappointed.
“I’m flat at the moment. It’s disappointing. It’s not a loss, but it’s taken a couple of trophies out of the cabinet already.
“You can’t win the Triple Crown and you can’t win the Grand Slam. So the whole focus now is just making sure you have got a chance of winning the championship.
“On reflection, we didn’t start well in the first 20 minutes and then we got ourselves back into the game and played well.
“We were disappointed with how we started but good sides get themselves back into the game and we did that and possibly should have come away with a win.
“We dominated the territory and possession to get in front. Then, to not execute an exit play accurately enough was disappointing. I don’t want to take anything away from Ireland. They contributed well and maybe a draw was a fair reflection of the game.
“Emotionally, they were probably a little bit better than we were in that first 20 minutes and started well.
“We gave away two or three soft penalties and drifted off Connor Murray’s try. But we showed some character in terms of coming back from that.
“Maybe with some luck Scotland might agree to having the roof closed and hopefully both teams can go out and play some rugby.
“I hope Scotland do agree. Unfortunately, it’s our stadium but we don’t have the decision on that.
“But we will keep fighting for the rights to do what we want to do in our own stadium, particularly if it’s pouring down with rain.”
