ENGLAND ON TWICKERS ALERT

Scotland had been hyped up before the game and there was some evidence in their autumn campaign they might be capable of their first win in Cardiff for 16 years.

But they were like a puppy allowed to run free in the park for 10 minutes – all darts and gambols – before Wales put the leash on and brought them sharply to heel with a firm yank.

“It was an afternoon I was expecting because of the way we had trained and there was a quiet confidence in the squad,” said Gatland.

“I was asked before the game by our chief executive how I thought we’d go and I told him we would win by 20 points. I said to the players, ‘I think we’ll batter them’.

“There was a soft try at the end but our defence was outstanding.”

Wales took a grip when Gareth Davies intercepted Ali Price’s loose pass and sprinted clear to touch down.

Scotland yapped, but the muzzle was put on them when Halfpenny crashed over to give them a 14-0 lead at the break.

Halfpenny followed that with two penalties before adding his second try, but the best was saved for last through waltzing wing Evans. Peter Horne replied late on for the Scots but a pained coach Gregor Townsend admitted: “We need to have a response throughout this week.

“That was miles below what we know we are capable of, what we need to do in this jersey, and what we are capable of in this championship.

“That was well short of what is required. We have to be much, much better.” WALES: