ClubChat transcript: Scotland v Wales

The players troop from Murrayfield... into ClubChat!

The ClubChat team were joined by host Gwyn Jones and guests Alan Tait, Andy Irvine, Bryan Redpath, Mark Taylor, Nigel Walker, Clive Rowlands, Robin McBryde and Mark Jones

BBC Host: Hello, and welcome to the BBC Six Nations ClubChat. We're coming to you live from a dressing room in Murrayfield, Edinburgh - getting over the Scotland v Wales encounter

BBC Host: Andy Irvine has joined us. Put your questions forward now ;-)

ClubChat: Andy's saying he enjoyed the 2nd half... not the first!!

ClubChat Andy: What a transformation!

  ClubChat Classics

Q: I'm from San Jose in California and don't get the match 'til tomorrow - how was the game in a nutshell?

Andy: Don't turn on 'til half time!!

Andy Irvine

Llyr Jones: Do you agree that this was a very bad result for Wales because if Scotland had a half decent goal kicker they would have been out of sight?

ClubChat Andy: I think Scotland will feel happier - they should have won the game. Wales had a start of 25-6 - that's a huge lead to lose. Scotland will take more comfort out of the game

Gareth Slee: Wales badly need a new full back, Rhys Williams is lacking confidence

ClubChat Andy: I didn't think he played badly at all. He looked pretty solid. Chris Paterson scored a great try - love to see him play with more confidence - run more. He's an immense talent but doesn't fully believe in himself yet

The MC: I'm from San Jose in California and don't get the match 'til tomorrow - how was the game in a nutshell?

ClubChat Andy: Don't turn on 'til half time!!

BBC Sport Update: Graham Henry says Wales had a big lead and should have nailed it - he's naturally disappointed but says Wales have come a long way since the defeat by England. He says there's no magic wand or trump card to solve Wales's defensive problems - just have to keep working at it.

Gareth Slee: We panicked near the end, very disappointed

ClubChat Andy: Wales partly panicked. You must give Scotland credit for raising the tempo and changing their tactics. Although Wales leaked three tries they also had some very good moments

BBC Host: Gwyn Jones has joined us, ex-Wales flanker .. your questions? Clive Rowlands, former Wales captain and team manager is also here to answer your questions

  ClubChat Classics

Q: Thank goodness, Kenny Logan had an off day...

Clive: Thank you Gabby Yorath!

Clive Rowlands

Fed Up: Was Scott Gibbs on the field? I didn't notice him

ClubChat Gwyn: I thought Scott passed the ball well today. We got the ball wide - first half especially. The whole team fell apart - not just one guy
ClubChat: Clive agrees. He's saying the bounce of the ball went against Wales in the second half
ClubChat Clive: Logan's misses dropped the heads of the Scots boys. In the end I was glad to get a draw

sam: Wales played far better than against England today, put closer to the end, where did we begin to lose the game?

ClubChat Gwyn: I felt our game plan was to get points on the board. We didn't develop a pattern to score tries. We never developed those chances - second half we just sat back
ClubChat Clive: Agrees but says drop goals are very valuable

Fed Up: Is Clive Rowlands satisfied with the Wales set up under Henry?

ClubChat Clive: Laughs
ClubChat: Clive is rubbing his hands!!
ClubChat Clive: I don't really know the set up, but Henry should spend more time in the Welsh clubs to earn his salary

  ClubChat Classics

Q: Alan, don't you think that Wales allowed the Scots back into the match when they had a large lead?

Alan: We talked at HT about keeping hold of ball. If we could get the phases going we knew we could tire them. They've got a big heavy front five

Alan Tait

Gareth Slee: Thank goodness, Kenny Logan had an off day...

ClubChat Clive: Thank you Gabby Yorath!!

dr mike: Could you ask Clive whether we should have brought on Robert Jones in the last 15?

ClubChat Clive: No I don't think so!

Nathan Roberts: With the heavy defeat of the A side last night - who else is there to strengthen the team?

ClubChat Gwyn: Not many! Not a lot who could come in and strengthen the team. We've got around 20 of the best players in Wales in the side. Unless we look to change the whole way we play - more creative players. The question is whether we should look for a more open game with players like Jamie Robinson

Moz: How long are we going to keep on relying on the boot of Jinks, when are we going to start threatening try lines?

ClubChat Clive: Gwyn answered that earlier - we went for DGs. It was the only plan and for much of the game it worked, but tries get people going. Mark Taylor's try could have been a try for them if he missed the interception
ClubChat Gwyn: Without Jenkins today we wouldn't have come near them. If they had a decent kicker they'd have won
ClubChat Clive: With regard to new players - Mark Jones came in and did brilliantly. His speed in defence saved us. I'd look for creative players like Shane Williams

Phil Evans: Is Moony really the second best scrum half we've got and would Stephen Jones have done better than Rhys Williams?

ClubChat Gwyn: I don't think Rupert is the 2nd best - no question. He's in for his experience and character in difficult times. I'd be much happier with Cooper or Harries
ClubChat: Clive agrees
ClubChat Gwyn: When Cooper's back Moon will be out of the set up

  ClubChat Classics

Q: Do you reckon... in the future- that this match may be considered a classic!

Alan: We got criticism for a boring game in France, but it's tough in Paris. Today on our own ground we tried to play a fast tempo and we got there in the end. We'll have to change the game for England

Alan Tait

BBC Sport Update: Mark Jones says the Welsh team are very disappointed not to have won - they know they shouldn't have let the lead slip

BBC Host: Mark Jones has just joined us .. After his first start for Wales - what would you like to say to him?

Gareth Slee: Great game Mark

ClubChat Mark: I wouldn't say great for me. Big honour for me to be on the pitch. Thanks anyway!!

Samantha Davies: Congratulations on your first cap Mark, how do you feel?

ClubChat Mark: Like last week very honoured and proud. Disappointed we couldn't get a win for the crowd

Llyr: Well done Mark, your tackle on Logan saved a definite seven points

ClubChat Clive: Absolutely
ClubChat Mark: Thanks but I don't know about that

Jayne: Mark you're the most gorgeous player ever are you taken???????? (I'm asking on behalf of the female population of Llanelli)

ClubChat Mark: I am I'm afraid!!
ClubChat: Mark's looking bashful!
ClubChat Mark: Oh dear!

  ClubChat Classics

Q: Is it time the rolling maul was made illegal? I see it as killing the game as a spectacle?

Gwyn: No. The maul has to be made more important if anything. Without it you'd have less space on the field, it keeps the forwards tied in

Clive: The problem is that players don't know how to turn a maul into a drive

Gwyn Jones and Clive Rowlands

Sam: Looking forward to Cardiff next week at Stradey, Mark?

ClubChat Mark: Grimaces. Like a hole in the head!! Massive game for clubs and players. Both sides are looking to get back on form

BBC Host: Mark Jones has had to leave us but says thank you for all the great postings ;-)

BBC Sport Update: Match reports on all today's games now available at www.bbc.co.uk/sixnations

Samantha Davies: The atmosphere was tense enough here in Pontypool, what was the second half like up there?

ClubChat Gwyn: It came to life in the 2nd half. Wales subdued the crowd in the first. Wales weren't playing great rugby in the 1st. It came to life when Scotland started playing
ClubChat Clive: The missed kicks had an odd effect on the crowd

Ian Davies: What chance for Wales against Ireland?

ClubChat Gwyn: It'll be tough after Ireland's win today. Two wins, two good performances. They'll have a lot of confidence coming to Cardiff, but I think Wales can win if we play creatively
ClubChat Clive: We played deeper today. When you do that you need the pace out wide, though. We need a footballer like Shane Williams

Jim Lewis: What can Scotland take from here to Twickenham?

ClubChat Clive: Tom Smith was very impressive. They've still got to play at a fast pace. They MUST get a goal kicker. It builds their confidence

Moz: We need an outside-half with Jenks' boot and Jonathan Davies' creativity and speed

ClubChat Gwyn: Agrees! Someone like Phil Bennett

deluxe beermonster: I was so tense after the tied result - do the panel think I should get another beer in?

  ClubChat Classics

Q: Mark, given the overlap the Scots had how confident were you of nailing that interception?

Mark: The ball was just that bit slow... I saw it coming - it's one of those things. It wasn't much of a gamble

Mark Taylor

ClubChat Gwyn: Laughs Why not?? I think everyone in Scotland will do the same. 25,000 Welshmen haven't come just for the rugby!

Ian Davies: Is Phil Bennett still available?

ClubChat Gwyn: He still trains and is still very fit!

ClubChat: Lynn Davies the Welsh team manager is saying Howley's injury isn't too bad. Just a bruised hand, he thinks

Ffion Williams: Wales don't look threatening with ball in hand. Neil Jenkins has saved us many times. What will we do when he retires?

ClubChat Clive: Our young playrers are good enough.One is Gavin Henson with Swansea. on't put too much pressure on him - he needs more games. He must play more
ClubChat Gwyn: Wales are relying too much on bulk and power. Quinnell and Gibbs - they do their job very well but we must be more creative
ClubChat: Clive is stressing the need for good goal kickers

BBC Host: Alan Tait is in with us, former Scotland international and British Lion, now Scotland's defensive coach .. what would you like to ask?

trevor carmichael: Don't you think that the ref was poor?

ClubChat Alan: Going by comments in the changing room - very poor!! That comes from all the coaches - not just me
ClubChat Clive: He's the nicest Englishman I've met for years!!
ClubChat Gwyn: He gave a lot of decisions the home team usually gets

Ian Davies: From Scotland's point of view, was it a game saved or a game lost?

ClubChat Alan: A game lost. I'm a defensive coach - so just one interception try is good for me!!

Steve In: Well done the Scots- how well do you think today's game did for the Scottish chances for the Lions team?

ClubChat Alan: Good question. I think the players we're expecting to go had big games and a few others put their hands up. Good for the selectors to have the choice. The key players went well - Tom Smith, Scott Murray ..
ClubChat Gwyn: John Leslie..

trevor carmichael: Don't you think Wales' tactics to drop goal were good considering the improvement in Scots defence?

ClubChat Alan: Very clever. We watched the English tape, but that surprised us. I think it was off the cuff. Jenkins did well - they stuck in our 22 in the first half

  ClubChat Classics

Q: Mark - are you looking forward to going up against O'Driscoll?

Mark: If picked yes! He's maybe the most talked-about centre in the world. He's a talent and a big challenge

Mark Taylor

Moz: Alan, what is the Scottish reaction to Graham Henry being appointed Lions coach?

ClubChat: Laughs in the room
ClubChat Alan: I think everyone's behind him. It's common in sport now to have a foreign coach. He's talking a lot to Geech. He'll do well

Ian Davies: What chance for the next match against England?

ClubChat Alan: Everyone knows how well they're playing. We must try and throw a few spanners in the works. I'm pleased with our defence - you've always got a chance if you get that right. They'll be very tough in Twickenham

Ben Morgan: Are there any good International Referees? Why are they all so poor??

ClubChat Gwyn: There aren't any
ClubChat Alan: Every international we're getting different rulings. It doesn't help
ClubChat Gwyn: There are too many laws in the game. There's always something being broken. You must separate the rule book from how you run the game and be sensible

Barrie: Alan, don't you think that Wales allowed the Scots back into the match when they had a large lead?

ClubChat Alan: We talked at HT about keeping hold of ball. If we could get the phases going we knew we could tire them. They've got a big heavy front five
ClubChat Gwyn: Scotland's attempts to lift the tempo showed through
ClubChat: Clive agrees

Steve In: Do you reckon... in the future- that this match may be considered a classic!

ClubChat Alan: We got criticism for a boring game in France, but it's tough in Paris. Today on our own ground we tried to play a fast tempo and we got there in the end. We'll have to change the game for England
ClubChat Gwyn: Not a classic because of Wales' lack of ambition

  ClubChat Classics

Q: How's the spirit in the dressing room?

Robin: Disappointed. Lot of optimism also for two weeks time. We can turn it round. We're building

Bryan: Disappointed also! Came back well in the 2nd half. Could've snatched the game with Kenny's kicks

Robin: Oooopph!

Bryan: Not blaming Kenny!! He played very well

Robin McBryde and Bryan Redpath

stewart george: What do both sides need to improve on before the next games?

ClubChat Gwyn: Unless Wales change their philosophy... If they persist with the slamming game I can't see where they'll improve. They must go for a different style
ClubChat Clive: The first step with Mark Jones was a success - they need more of that. We must be more expansive and the forwards need to follow Tom Smith's example
ClubChat Alan: Scotland must improve their goal kicking!! I've spoken to Kenny... but apart from the kicking I think he had his best game ever for Scotland. We all know we must take the kicking off him. We're happy with our interplay, but we were too lateral at times. We need to run straighter. Paterson is the best wide runner we've got

Neil Adam: What weaknesses do you think the Scots can exploit against England?

ClubChat Alan: Very difficult. Their defence is the best in the Six Nations. Their attack is pretty good as well!! I'd say first off putting the ball behind them. The chase must then be very good. We must upset them like we did to France. Disrupt the game and make it difficult for them to play
ClubChat Clive: Is praising the speed of Scotland's play, especially Paterson

  ClubChat Classics

Q: That Metcalfe is a big chappie, what do they feed you on in the Scottish team!!!!!

Bryan: They certainly don't feed me the same!!

Bryan Redpath

matt: Do the panel feel that both sides have enough talent in depth?

ClubChat Gwyn: I don't know about depth. There are talented players on both sides. I'm not sure how deep the talent goes. Within the 15 there are world-class players
ClubChat Clive: A wealth of players in some positions - dearth in others

Ian Davies: What Scottish players do you wish had Welsh grandparents?

ClubChat Alan: That's for the Welsh boys!
ClubChat Gwyn: We don't care where they come from!
ClubChat Clive: I don't think they should play for Wales if not qualified - b ut Paterson's not a bad player!!
ClubChat: The praises of Tom Smith are ringing in the room

Neil Adam: Does the start Italy made give Scotland hope?

ClubChat Alan: I haven't seen the game! I would have thought England were a bit too relaxed going into the game. But I'd have to see it. I'd guess they underestimated Italy. They'll be waiting for Scotland after last year!!

Ben Morgan: Is it time the rolling maul was made illegal? I see it as killing the game as a spectacle (although not today!)

ClubChat Gwyn: No. The maul has to be made more important if anything. Without it you'd have less space on the field, it keeps the forwards tied in
ClubChat Clive: The problem is that players don't know how to turn a maul into a drive

deluxe beermonster: Do the panel think Scotland missed Townsend in the first half?

ClubChat Alan: He's a very influential player for us. I've played alongside him - he's a key man. Good player, very quick
ClubChat: Clive agrees
ClubChat Gwyn: I think the partnership with Leslie releases the tension off Townsend. Gives them the freedom to create

BBC Host: Mark Taylor has just joined the conversation .. what would you like to ask?

Ben Morgan: Mark, how's the Welsh dressing room?

ClubChat Mark: Well, bit depressed. It's a game we had won. We let it slip - errors late on. We were bitterly disappointed not to win

Gareth Slee: Keep at it Mark, we will get there in the end, won't we???

ClubChat Mark: Laughs. It's definitely there... We're on an upward curve. We need the belief and consistency. We need a full 80 minutes every game

Moz: Mark, did you find the midfield congested... we seemed to struggle for space

ClubChat Mark: It was quite an expansive game. The score reflects that. We got some width but Scotland's cover defence was great. We had much more width than against England

chris Bowditch: What did GH have to say in the dressing room?

ClubChat Mark: He's saying not top be too down. We're on the road and let it slip when it was there. Take the positives and build

Samantha Davies: So with Ireland coming up, any particular area you think needs work?

ClubChat Mark: We must be more clinical in finishing. Our cover defence - we were short of defence when it got loose. Scotland showed us the way in that aspect

  ClubChat Classics

Q: Have you trained Shane Williams, Nigel?

Nigel: I've done a couple of speed sessions with him. But he's a naturally gifted athlete. I can't beat my seven-year-old these days!

Nigel Walker

sam: Mark, do you feel that you are back to full fitness after your ankle injury?

ClubChat Mark: It was my knee!! Today is the best I've felt since coming back. I'm almost there. Probably 100% in a week or two

Moz: Mark, given the overlap the Scots had how confident were you of nailing that interception?

ClubChat Mark: The ball was just that bit slow... I saw it coming - it's one of those things. It wasn't much of a gamble. Our drift defence was quite good but when they broke us they finished us off

Ian Davies: How did it feel to have so many Welsh people in the crowd?

ClubChat Mark: It was brilliant. The roar for the Scots was intimidating, but we could hear the Welsh. It's marvellous to play in front of

alvin jones: Why did we play the game Scotland's way in the second half and abandon the tactical control we showed in the first?

ClubChat Mark: I think Scotland got on top of us. It wasn't intentional, but they dominated possession. Difficult to get continuity

Jez: Mark - are you looking forward to going up against O'Driscoll?

ClubChat Mark: If picked yes! He's maybe the most talked-about centre in the world. He's a talent and a big challenge

NIK: Having played England do you think Scotland can beat them?

ClubChat Mark: England on their day can beat anyone. Scotland showed their heart and spirit and proved they can beat them last year. Every Celtic nation will be hoping that!!

BBC Host: Robin McBryde has just joined us ..

Moz: Did the team notice the band messed up the anthem...?

ClubChat Mark and Robin: Yes!!
ClubChat Mark: The good thing was they kept singing in the crowd and there was a big cheer at the end

Ben Morgan: Robin, why are we lifting Craig Quinnell? Surely he should be doing the lifting??

ClubChat Robin: You're right! Everyone's complaining!!

Jayne: Hi Robbs - do you think Wales could win against Ireland?

ClubChat Robin: Yes

chris Bowditch: Robin, thought you had a great game against Scotland!

ClubChat Robin: Who's that my mother? Seemed like a magnet between me and the ball at times. Just lucky I guess

BBC Host: Bryan Redpath has just joined us ...

Sue: What did you think of the match played last night?

ClubChat Bryan: It was good - Scotland put in a good performance
ClubChat Robin: We were watching Hannibal!

Neil Adam: How do Scotland keep turning out good international XVs from such a small player base?

ClubChat Bryan: Don't know!! I think a few overseas players have helped. It's easy to keep the young kids enthusiastic

Ben Morgan: Robin, have you ever threaded a perfect touch finder through like that before?

ClubChat Robin: Many times!!

chris Bowditch: The line out went well in first half, but seemed a bit shaky in second, any reasons?

ClubChat Robin: We did tinker with the calling system 2nd half. That was a small part. The execution wasn't what it should have been

Ben Morgan: Is everyone fully fit out there? Dai Young still seems a bit tentative about his injuries. Should he have had a longer gap to recover?

ClubChat Robin: Dai's fine. You judge him on the scrum. That went well today

Jayne: Confident of next week and are there any injuries in the Welsh squad?

ClubChat Robin: Yes, confident we can beat Cardiff. Another big one. I'll hit Dai on the shoulder tonight and Howley on the hand!!

Jez: Robin - assuming you're picked, how do you plan to keep Keith Woods quiet?

ClubChat Robin: Keep him in the scrum. Don't let his jersey go!!

richard williams: Rob, Radio Wales were singing your praises - did you enjoy the game?

ClubChat Robin: First half yes! Not the 2nd. We were on the back foot

Ben Morgan: Bryan, will Gregor be back for the England game or is he long-term injured?

ClubChat Bryan: He's hoping to be back - just started running again. I think he's pretty doubtful

Sue: Robin, how's the spirit in the dressing room?

ClubChat Robin: Disappointed. Lot of optimism also for two weeks time. We can turn it round. We're building
ClubChat Bryan: Disappointed also! Came back well in the 2nd half. Could've snatched the game with Kenny's kicks
ClubChat Robin: Oooopph!
ClubChat Bryan: Not blaming Kenny!! He played very well

Samantha Davies: That Metcalfe is a big chappie, what do they feed you on in the Scottish team!!!!!

ClubChat Bryan: They certainly don't feed me the same!!

Ben Morgan: Robin, do you look on it as a point won or two points lost?

ClubChat Robin: Two points lost

Ben Morgan: Good to hear Bryan, wish him all the best. I hope you can pick him for the England game!! You have to beat them!

ClubChat Bryan: It'll be VERY difficult!!

Ben Morgan: Can anyone beat England this year?

ClubChat Bryan: We have a chance!! But it'll be very difficult

BBC Host: Nigel Walker has also joined us to hear from you .. what would you like to ask? Five minutes to go

ClubChat: Nigel's saying we're keeping him from the team!!

BBC Host: Robin and Brian have had to go .. for a beer we think!! What would you like to ask Nigel Walker?

Barrie: Nigel, are you there as a replacement to Steve Black - motivational?

ClubChat Nigel: Interesting ... Not necessarily. My primary role is development and assistant team manager. But Graham's open to any suggestions and likes to take ideas on board

Sue: Nigel, what was your take on the match?

ClubChat Nigel: The first half was very good for us. The game plan was very successful. It's difficult with a big lead - we took the foot off the pedal. We were forced into errors and struggled to win ball. There were far more positives than negatives today

Barrie: Have you trained Shane Williams, Nigel?

ClubChat Nigel: I've done a couple of speed sessions with him. But he's a naturally gifted athlete. I can't beat my seven-year-old these days!

Moz: Nigel, sometimes from this side of the TV set it seems Wales aren't hungry enough, we don't have that edge/bite?

ClubChat Nigel: I think if people looked at some of our last 10 games it's a fair criticism. But not today or against England. It's difficult when you're under pressure. Our first half today was exceptional. When Scotland turned the screw it was hard

Sue: Was it lack of fitness towards the end?

ClubChat Nigel: No. Both sides were tired at the end

Siobhan Gilbert: Nigel, is Graham very disappointed?

ClubChat Nigel: We're all disappointed. It's important to remain positive. We've only played two of five. There was a huge improvement today. We must maintain that pattern

BBC Host: Time for one more question:

Sue: Will we have a chance against the Irish in two weeks time?

ClubChat Nigel: Yes. Ireland had a good win today and they have a tremendous record in Cardiff. But certainly if quality and talent matter we can go in with a lot of confidence

ClubChat: Nigel's gone for a drink!!

BBC Host: Thanks for all your questions .. sorry we didn't have time to answer them all. We've had Alan Tait and Bryan Redpath from the Scottish camp, Mark Taylor, Mark Jones, Nigel Walker and Robin McBryde from the Welsh camp

BBC Host: We've also had a number of pundits from the Hall of Fame ... Andy Irvine, Clive Rowlands and Gwyn Jones

BBC Host: We've had a terrific response .. There's plenty of audio/video post-match highlights and news on the Six Nations site .. Don't forget to check it out to make sure you get all the news first ;-) See you in the Six Nations Chatroom on Tuesday night ..

BBC Host: Bye ;-)