Cape Times

WALES CHASE THE SIX NATIONS

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WALES’S bid for a first Grand Slam in seven years takes them to Murrayfiel­d on Saturday where they aim to avoid a repeat of an “embarrassi­ng” Six Nations defeat by Scotland two years ago.

Wales have a perfect record after three matches in this year’s championsh­ip, including a 21-13 victory over England last time out, and will move closer to the title with another win over the inconsiste­nt Scots.

Prop Rob Evans, however, remembers the disappoint­ment of their last visit to Murrayfiel­d, a 29-13 defeat, and says his side must be ready for a battle against a team with one win in the tournament.

“It was a tough day for us in 2017. We didn’t come out the blocks and if we’re honest Scotland probably embarrasse­d us a little bit,” Evans said.

“We are obviously looking forward to the game, but it’s going be an incredibly tough one for us. We know what Scotland are like at home. They feed off the atmosphere there just as we do back in Cardiff.

“We’re not shying away from the fact it’s going to be a massive, massive game.”

Evans knows Scotland have the players to spring a surprise.

“Their set-piece has been going pretty well I believe and they’ve got some quality backs in there. I don’t know if (flyhalf) Finn Russell is fit, but they have got some exciting talent,” he said.

Victories over France, Italy and England have continued the team’s record winning run under coach Warren Gatland, which now stretches to 12 matches, but Evans says there is no complacenc­y in the squad.

“Everyone’s pretty grounded and we realise where we are at the moment,” he said.

“I know we’ve had three wins, but as I said this game with Scotland is going to be a massive challenge for us. They embarrasse­d us last time by quite a hefty scoreline.”

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