BOTHAM: WALES ON THE RIGHT TRACK

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.

- PHIL BLANCHE

Wales led for 75 minutes in Cardiff 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.