A devastating second-half display from Wales condemned Scotland to their second Six Nations defeat of the campaign.
Andy Robinson’s men had the better of the first half but ill-discipline in a frantic start to the second period saw Wales run up 24 points in just fifteen minutes.
Nick De Luca and Rory Lamont were shown yellow cards as the hosts ran in the points with Leigh Halfpenny in great form.
Scotlandreceived a boost before kick-off with Wales captain Sam Warburton ruled out due to a dead leg. Scarlets back rower Aaron Shingler came in to make his debut.
Greig Laidlaw was presented with an early opportunity to get Scotland on the score sheet but he dragged his kick narrowly wide.
Andy Robinson was forced into an early change when Glasgow Warriors stand-off Stuart Hogg came on for his debut replacing Max Evans after fifteen minutes.
The first points of the match came through Laidlaw’s penalty infront of the posts after 23 minutes.
Leigh Halfpenny levelled matters on the half-hour mark with a fine kick when Alasdair Strokosch was penalised for off-side.
Scotland made a drive for the line as the first half drew to a close with Wales down to fourteen men.
But once again Robinson’s men lost their composure with a knock on in the 21st phase of play.
Warren Gatland’s men showed the Scots how it was done when Alex Cuthbert eased past Laidlaw to score the game’s first try which was converted by Halfpenny.
Nick De Luca was given the yellow card for a professional foul on Jonathan Davies with Halfpenny converting the penalty to give the Welsh a ten-point lead.
Laidlaw reduced the deficit but it was to prove little comfort as Wales made the most of their numerical advantage.
Halfpenny went over on the right moments later for the hosts’ second try.
It was to get worse for Scotland as Rory Lamont became the second player to receive a yellow card.
Wales showed no mercy as Halfpenny went over for his second try of the match.
To add insult to injury Stuart Hogg was denied Scotland’s first try of the championship after referee Romain Poite incorrectly ruled he had knocked the ball on.
However Scotland finally crossed the line when Greig Laidlaw snuck in just after the hour mark.
Hogg was providing a glimmer of hope but in the end the Welsh were simply too good.
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