GAT: BRING ON THE AUSSIES...
Wales 21 Scotland 10 Japan 31 New Zealand 69
WARREN GATLAND believes Wales would have struggled had they opened their autumn Test series against Australia instead.
Victory over Scotland at the Principality Stadium was the Welsh’s 10th successive home win in the fixture.
But improvements will be required for the Wallabies’ Cardiff visit next weekend, when Wales will strive to avoid a 14th defeat on the bounce against Michael Cheika’s men.
“If we came up against Australia today I think we would have struggled, just with them having come off the Rugby Championship,” said Wales head coach Gatland.
“It is not so much getting the monkey off the back. There have been games against Australia when we have been leading going into the final minute and they have scored a try or we’ve conceded a penalty.
“We have been unlucky at times. Next week it will be nice to go out and get a result, but the more important one is going to be the pool game against them at the World Cup next year.
“If you win that, you potentially put yourself in a position to be in a side of the draw that might be a little bit easier.”
Tries by Lions Test stars George North and Jonathan Davies underpinned victory in the inaugural Doddie Weir Cup clash.
Full-back Leigh Halfpenny kicked 11 points to leave Scotland still without a win on Welsh soil since 2002.
Skipper Stuart Mcinally scored a try for the visitors, while fly-half Adam Hastings – son of former Scotland and Lions captain Gavin – booted a penalty and conversion, and Wales had to defend for long periods of the second half before subduing their opponents.
Gatland, meanwhile, confirmed that hooker Ken Owens underwent head injury assessments during half-time and after the match – passing them both – after being on the receiving end of a hefty 40th-minute collision.
“The welfare of the player is the most important thing. But he is fine,” said Gatland.
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend will be reflecting on a frustrating afternoon that included missed tackles by centre Huw Jones when both Welsh tries were scored.