The overriding Welsh emotion was relief after a bruising 26-23 victory over Scotland on Sunday revitalized their Six Nations campaign following their painful home loss to England in the first round of fixtures.
Tries by scrumhalf Rhys Webb and center Jonathan Davies, and the almost immaculate kicking of fullback Leigh Halfpenny subdued a fiery Scotland team roared on by an expectant Murrayfield crowd.
“There were some improvements from last week,” Wales captain Sam Warburton told a news conference. “But we allowed them to stay in the game. You have to give Scotland credit for that. We are relieved to get the campaign back on track.”
Photo: AFP
Coach Warren Gatland echoed his captain’s view.
“It was a tough competitive game where both teams fought really hard to the end,” he said. “The big thing today was that our kick and reception stuff was outstanding. We got dragged into a game we didn’t want last week. It was very slow.”
“We got dragged into a dog-fight last week and we didn’t want that to happen today. We defended exceptionally for a number of phases,” he added.
The Wales pack, controlled by England’s rampaging back row in Cardiff, fronted up well against a physical Scotland side, matching their hosts’ tenacious work at the breakdown and eking out a small advantage in the set pieces.
“Today was big improvement in terms of opportunities we created,” Gatland said. “Scotland kept fighting to the end. They are the toughest Scotland team we’ve faced for a number of years.”
Warburton said defeat by the Scots would have signaled the end of Welsh Six Nations title ambitions for this year.
“We knew that if we had lost the championship would have been over for us,” he said. “That was our mindset and we were on edge, but that was a good thing.”
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely