Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend was delighted with Scotland's 35-29 win at home to Wales in the Six Nations on Saturday but anticipates a tougher game against France next week.

The home side were in devastating form in the first half, romping to a 28-8 lead by half-time before Wales got back into things in the second period.

"Very pleased with the start of the game and how we continued throughout the first half. We did talk at half-time about building on that lead," said Townsend.

"Sometimes it's difficult. The opposition, who are a quality team, can get things right. They got more ball in the second half. Sometimes changes from the bench aren't smooth. We're disappointed with not scoring when we had a couple of chances in the last five minutes, and conceding those tries.

"We've got to make sure we don't give them [France] momentum, any easy opportunities to get on the ball. They're so dangerous off counter-attack or if you make an error, they usually score on the back of it. They're very strong in the forwards with their pick-and-go game and set piece.

"They've been outstanding in every game so far in the Six Nations and could have scored a few more at Twickenham. It's our biggest challenge.

"With the learnings we've had this year and how we played to start that game, we can really give it a crack next week."

Scotland captain Finn Russell echoed the sentiments of his coach, suggesting that the result should have been more comfortable than it ultimately was.

While the defeat condemned Wales to their 16th straight Test match defeat, which is the joint-longest run by any Tier 1 nation in the professional era (also Italy from 2019-2021), they made it competitive in the second half.

A bonus point win at Scottish Gas Murrayfield #AsOne #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/jgoC8N2d7d

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After Scotland had made it 35-8 early in the second half, Wales roared back to score 21 unanswered points.

"I think for 50 minutes we played really well and then took the foot off the gas and allowed Wales in," said Russell.

"It's great to get a win with a bonus point, but to go and win in France, we need an 80-minute performance.

"This year we've been good the start of games then switched off. It's the message we had pre-match to try have an 80-minute performance.

"There are such fine margins in sport at this level, so looking back, we'll learn a lot from this one.

Wales had a disallowed try on 77 minutes, which would have made it 35-27, though did later get over the line with a converted try in the last act of the game.

Conceding the try, according to flanker Jamie Ritchie, took a little gloss off the victory.

"It's a funny one, especially when the opposition finish with a try, you feel a bit disappointed," he told BBC One.

"Six Nations wins are hard to come by so we're pleased with that, but there's lots of improvements for us in our game.

"For 50 minutes, we were very much in control. The last 30 was a bit loose, and they had everything to play for. They put us under a bit of pressure.

"There's moments in there where our ill-discipline is letting them into the game. Wales are looking to play a lot more rugby, and they're able to cut teams apart. That's where they put us under pressure today."

Scotland travel to France for their final Six Nations game next, while Wales will host England.