Vern Cotter’s inspired troops sweep aside the Welsh to set up big decider against England

Super Scotland hosted a Six Nations Question Time at Murrayfield as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon witnessed our first win over Wales in 10 years.

And the answers as to whether Vern Cotter’s men can lift the championship were delivered in empathic style.

They will now go into the Triple Crown decider against England in a fortnight brimming with confidence after a thrilling victory.

Head coach Cotter has just two more matches lef t before he leaves his role. And new skipper John Barclay insists yesterday’s performance provided more proof this team are the real deal and they can bid farewell to Cotter on the most glorious of highs.

He said: “We believe we can do something with this group and I’m not just saying that.

“Whether people want to believe that or not, we have just beaten a very good Wales side. Now we will go to England and continue to believe we can win games. As a group summer. He would have been impressed by a surge in the opening minutes that saw Russell and Ali Price – making his first Test start – combine to find Huw Jones.

He side-stepped a few challenges before an infringement allowed Russell to draw first blood with a sixth-minute penalty.

It was an open and expansive start from both sides and Price pulled Rhys Webb to the f loor as the Welshman bolted for the line before Leigh Halfpenny fired over a three- pointer to draw his side level.

A pattern of play was forming with an intent to throw the bal l at every opportunity and there was little to separate the teams in the first 20 minutes.

I t wa s a f iercely contested game of nip and tuck with Scotland