Botham focuses on the positives

JAMES BOTHAM insisted the “hurt” felt inside the Wales camp after their late Guinness Six Nations loss to Scotland was a positive reflection on the strides made under Steve Tandy.

- By PHIL BLANCHE

Wales led for 75 minutes on Saturday before Scotland - who trailed 20-5 at the start of the second half - stormed back to win 26-23 and keep their title hopes alive. It was a 14th consecutive Six Nations defeat for Wales, who have now lost six of Tandy's seven games in charge.

“Emotionally it is tough, but that’s professional sport,” said back-rower Botham.

“We started off really well, that’s what we were aiming to do. The fact that it hurts is probably a good thing and that we were in it until the last minute.

“There's a lot of positives to take from it because it was definitely one of the best performances we've done for a long time.