• Six Nations

Wales complete last-gasp win in thriller

John Barclay scored an early try for Scotland © Getty Images

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Wales produced one of the greatest escapes ever to claim a 31-24 victory over Scotland in a pulsating Six Nations clash at the Millennium Stadium.

A last-gasp try from winger Shane Williams in stoppage time set the seal on a remarkable comeback that culminated with an amazing 17 points in the last three minutes. Tries from John Barclay and Max Evans had put the Scots on course for victory and the boot of fly-half Dan Parks gave the visitors a 10 point lead midway through the second half. But winger Leigh Halfpenny pounced to give Wales hope before Stephen Jones brought the sides level with a late penalty. But there was still time for one more dramatic twist with Williams diving over under the posts to break Scottish hearts.

Both sides were looking to bounce back from opening round defeats with Wales coach Warren Gatland opting to make two changes from the side beaten 30-17 by England. Leigh Halfpenny came in on the right wing and Jonathan Thomas joined the second row alongside Alun-Wyn Jones, villain of the piece at Twickenham for his trip - literally - to the sin-bin.

Scotland, who had not managed a try in their last three games and have won only three of their last 25 away matches in the Championship, awarded fullback Chris Paterson his 100th cap while Rory Lamont, Dan Parks, Euan Murray and Jim Hamilton had been brought in following the 18-9 loss at home to France.

Wales began brightly and stretched the Scots before working an opening for Shane Williams but the winger knocked on to bring an abrupt end to the move in what would be the first of many missed opportunities for the hosts.

The Scots weathered that early storm and stunned the home crowd with the opening try of the game. Barclay showed great strength to shrug off the combined tackle of Gareth Cooper and James Hook before powering over for a score. Paterson slotted the conversion to cement his side's lead and extend his amazing run of successful kicks to 35.

Wales rallied with Jamie Roberts ghosting through the otherwise resolute Scottish defence before feeding James Hook but he could not find his captain Ryan Jones. The ball was recycled and worked wide to Lee Byrne but the ball was knocked out of his grasp under pressure.

Stephen Jones got his side on the board with a penalty on the quarter hour after the Scots had been penalised at the scrum. But back came the Scots with another notable drive deep into Welsh territory that ended with a well-struck drop goal from Dan Park.

Shane Williams won the game for Wales at the death © Getty Images

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And it could have been worse for Wales when Rory Lamont was gifted time and space in midfield but he lacked support when it mattered most. It was then John Beattie's turn to wreak havoc in the Welsh defence and Parks capitalised on the disarray by dabbing through a delightful grubber that Max Evans dotted down for a try. He had to wait for the Television Match Official Geoff Warren to confirm the score but there was little doubt.

Paterson's record run came to an end with a difficult touchline conversion getting the better of him.

The see-saw nature of the game continued with Roberts and Ryan Jones then breaching the gain line before drawing a penalty from the Scots that Jones slotted to keep his side in the game. The Welsh scrum woes returned midway through the half to give Parks the chance to stretch his side's lead and his kick was never in doubt.

Shane Williams then sparked a sweeping move with Andy Powell and Lee Byrne offering support with the Scots happy to concede the penalty to snuff out the danger. Paterson limped out of the clash as Stephen Jones pulled the penalty across the posts.

A nasty injury for Thom Evans caused a lengthy delay as the half drew to a close and he was stretchered from the field to be replaced by Mike Blair. Wales ended the half strongly with a snipe from Cooper laying the platform for a promising spell of pressure but again they failed to capitalise on good field position. But Jones was able to reduce the arrears before the break with his third penalty.

The recalled Parks, star of the first period, quickly made it 21-9 with his second penalty. The away fans thought their third try had come from flanker Kelly Brown, but it was called back for a forward pass.

Wales rang the changes up front and although a Hook knock-on saw another move come to nothing they were starting to look far more dangerous. The pressure paid off at last after 55 minutes when Shane Williams made space wide out on the right, drew the tackler and put in Lee Byrne. Jones missed the conversion, but Wales were back in it at 21-14.

Prop Gethin Jenkins lasted only 10 minutes on his return from injury and the task for Wales became harder again when Parks kicked a long-range drop goal - his second of the game - with 15 minutes left.

Wales were handed a lifeline when Scotland prop Scott Lawson was sin-binned seven minutes from the end after referee George Clancy ran out of patience with the Scottish pack. Wales opted to kick for the lineout and the ball was subsequently worked through the hands to Roberts who went over, but as the home crowd celebrated the play was called back for crossing in midfield.

Wales were soon back onthe front foot and Halfpenny was the beneficiary as they carved the tired Scots open once more. Jones slotted the easy conversion and with three minutes remaining only three points separated the teams. It was all Wales now and when Byrne kicked ahead with the line at his mercy Phil Godman blatantly tripped him and was sin-binned as well.

The resultant penalty was a simple one, Jones made it 24-24 just as the clock approached time, and in the last play of the game Wales attacked again and Shane Williams scored the winning try under the post. Jones converted and it ended 31-24.

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