Man of the match Alun Wyn Jones admitted his side were not at their best yesterday as they edged to a battling 26-23 win over Scotland at Murrayfield.

Scotland had possession for long periods of the game but lacked the killer instinct inside the opposition’s 22, while Wales upped their game in the second half to complete their first win of this year’s Six Nations.

“Towards the end we were pretty unconvincing, but a win is a win,” Wyn Jones said. “(The score was a) fair reflection of the game, credit to Scotland they didn’t give up.

“We aren’t going to get too far ahead of ourselves. We have got too much respect for the other teams and we will take it one game at a time.”

It was another disappointing defeat for Scotland who had plenty of chances to take the win but captain Greig Laidlaw refused to be too downbeat.

“It’s disappointing to come up short,” he said. “It was a tough game. Credit to Wales for holding on.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day, this team, we are team on a journey with (coach) Vern Cotter but it was a frustrating day for us.

“Every game is a big game. We will look put in a performance against Italy and get the win we desperately want.”

Nine days after being silenced on home soil by England, the dragon rediscovered its roar to an extent as tries by scrum-half Rhys Webb and centre Jonathan Davies consigned Scotland to a second Six Nations defeat in a row.

Full-back Leigh Halfpenny, who delivered an immaculate performance in attack and defence, kicked 16 points, while Scotland replied through a breakaway Stuart Hogg score and substitute lock Jim Hamilton’s late touchdown, plus three Greig Laidlaw penalties and a conversion, and a Finn Russell conversion.

The Scots again showed obvious signs of their improvement under coach Vern Cotter, yet Wales looked a more dangerous team with ball in hand, possessing outstanding runners in Webb, Davies and Halfpenny.

Wales, though, still have to do it the hard way if they have any realistic aspirations of Six Nations silverware.