Six Nations: Warren Gatland felt Wales produced an improved display in Scotland on Sunday

Coach Warren Gatland admitted that he was a relieved man after Wales bounced back from defeat last week with a narrow victory over Scotland.

Gatland’s men began their Six Nations campaign with a disappointing 16-21 loss to England in Cardiff but opened their account for the 2015 tournament with an entertaining 26-23 win at Murrayfield.

Facing a pumped-up and impressive Scotland team, and a passionate home crowd, the visitors fell behind early on but hit back to lead 26-16 thanks to tries from Rhys Webb and Jonathan Davies, and some fine kicking from Leigh Halfpenny.

Scotland then finished strongly but a late try only served to narrow the margin of their defeat.

Exceptional defence

Gatland said: “It was a tough competitive game, where both teams fought really hard to the end.

"The big thing today was that our kick and reception stuff was outstanding.

“We got dragged into a game we didn't want last week, it was very slow. We got dragged into a dog-fight and we didn't want that to happen today.

“We defended exceptionally for a number of phases and today was a big improvement in terms of opportunities we created.

"Scotland kept fighting to the end. They are the toughest Scotland team we've faced for a number of years.

“We went out and played more rugby than last week, and the possession and territory were pretty favourable.

"The disappointing thing was we had chances to put the game to bed and we allowed them back into the game. We were relieved more than anything with the win.

"Probably both sides felt some decisions went their way, and others didn't. I understand Scotland would have been aggrieved at a couple of calls, and it was the same with us. It was a tough competitive game, and both sides competed at the breakdown.

“At this level it's difficult, and you have to back the judgement of the referee and the TMO (television match official) to make those decisions.”

Scotland impress Warburton

Wales captain Sam Warburton was also impressed by the Scotland side.

"There were some improvements from last week," said the back row forward.

"We allowed them to stay in the game and you have to give Scotland credit for that. We are relieved to get the campaign back on track.

“My first game against Scotland was in 2010. I have played against them five times, and that was the toughest match.

"They were powerful at the breakdown and their driving lineout was effective, although we managed to deal with that as the game went on.

"They were impressive, and it's going to take a big performance for anyone to come up to Murrayfield and win, because it's extremely tough.

"It was really important to grind the win out. Every game becomes a must-win game, and there is a lot of pressure on every game now.

"We knew that, if we had lost, the championship would have been over for us. That was our mind-set and we were on edge but that was a good thing."