Leigh Halfpenny found his goalkicking form when it really mattered to boot Wales to a 28-18 victory over Scotland on Saturday, keeping his team’s Six Nations defence alive heading into the final weekend.

The Welsh were only 13-12 ahead at the break after Halfpenny missed three of his first four kicks, but he was successful with five in a row in the second half to settle a messy, error-strewn match at Murrayfield.

Wales hooker Richard Hibbard scored the game’s only try – plunging over from close range in the 22nd minute – as Scotland lived off scraps of possession and the kicking of Greig Laidlaw, who kicked six from eight.

Wales’ third straight win means they will take on England in Cardiff next Saturday with the title at stake.