“Emotionally it is tough”- Welsh star reacts to decisive moment against Scotland

Botham, who came on early in the contest against the Scots due to Taine Plumtree going off injured, was caught off guard when the tie firmly turned in favour of the visitors.

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Following Jarrod Evans’ penalty, the contest became an 11-point game heading into the final quarter. However, unaware the 28-year-old and seemingly everyone in red, from the quick restart by Finn Russell allowed replacement Darcy Graham to race over following comfortably regathering.

That proved to be the ultimate catalyst for Gregor Townsend’s side, who, with minutes to go, sealed the comeback victory through George Turner’s score, which saw the visitors into a hard-fought lead for the first time in the contest, as they denied Wales from securing a first win in the Six Nations in almost 36 months.

Speaking after being caught off-guard from the restart, Botham added: "

“It is gut-wrenching (like Dewi said), but we’ve got to use that to move forward into the next game.

Despite the despair so clear to see in the aftermath, it was Steve Tandy’s side's finest performance in some time. It was very much needed following the concession of 102 points across the opening two weekends against both England and France.

It was Botham's first international appearance in over a year for Wales, with his last outing coming against Italy in Rome last year. His latest appearance could have ended the flanker’s drought of a Wales win, which dates back to facing Canada in 2021 at Principality Stadium.

He came on early in the contest, but, like his counterparts in the back row, Alex Mann and Aaron Wainwright, he put in a huge defensive display and proved an incredible asset for the hosts.

In an area where he no doubt prides himself on being strong, he made an impressive 15 tackles in Wales’ at times stubborn defence. But on what matters the most, the result, Botham added: “Emotionally, it is tough, but that’s professional sport.

“It’s all progression, we’ve got two games (against Ireland and Italy) left, and we’ve got to focus on them now.