Wales pips Scotland

midfield collision with Byrne.

The Glasgow player was carried off on a stretcher, appearing to be in a bad way, and it meant halfback replacement Mike Blair being pressed into emergency wing duty.

Wales piled on the pressure as half-time approached, but its game continued to be spiked by basic handling errors prior to Jones slotting a third penalty.

Scotland was good value for its 18-9 interval advantage, and Parks immediately extended it through another penalty after Cardiff Blues halfback Richie Rees replaced Cooper.

Gatland, his patience close to running out, then made a triple substitution, sending on lock Bradley Davies, prop Gethin Jenkins and hooker Huw Bennett as Wales looked to lift the tempo.

And it had the desired effect as Shane Williams' arcing run and superb pass allowed to Byrne to cross in the corner, cutting Wales' deficit to seven points with 24 minutes left.

Parks though, the game's dominant figure, booted a second dropped goal, before Lawson was sin-binned and Halfpenny's late try, converted by Jones, set up a nerve-shredding finale as Jones drew Wales level with a penalty.

Then Williams struck during the game's final passage of play - raising his arm in triumph before crossing the line - and mayhem broke out around the stadium.