Friday 17 October 2014 22:52, UK
Brothers Callum and Brett Phillips were the toast of Scotland as the Bravehearts made an impressive start to the 2014 European Championship.
Both players scored tries on their home ground at Workington's Derwent Park as the Scots brushed aside an inexperienced Wales to win 42-18 and take a step towards qualification for the 2016 Four Nations Series.
"Callum was very unfortunate last year not to play in the World Cup so he's been waiting for this opportunity and he took it with both hands," Scotland coach Steve McCormack said.
"He was brilliant when he came on. For both he and his brother to score in front of their home crowd makes it extra special."
A lot will be made about Danny Brough but Louis Senter is the only player to represent Scotland at every single age group so it's a fantastic moment for him too.
Scotland were once more indebted to captain Danny Brough, the 2013 Man of Steel, who scored one try, helped create three more and kicked five goals from eight attempts in a swirling wind and driving rain.
"Broughy was first class again but there is no difference between Callum and Danny in our squad," McCormack insisted. "They've all got the same values and nobody is treated any differently.
"A lot will be made about Danny Brough but Louis Senter is the only player to represent Scotland at every single age group so it's a fantastic moment for him too."
The plucky Welsh led 4-0 thanks to Rhys Williams' 14th try for his country and trailed only 16-14 early in the second half but the Scots, playing their first game since their World Cup quarter-final defeat by New Zealand in November, demonstrated their class to pull clear.
"We have a lot of improving to do," McCormack said. "We blew the cobwebs off in the first half.
"We felt, if we could just bide our time and be nice and patient, we would get some points and that was the case."
I think there are plenty of positives. We had eight players making their debuts and scored four tries in dreadful conditions.
Wales never gave up and among the encouraging signs for new coach John Kear was an impressive display from teenage hooker Connor Farrer, who scored two of his side's four tries on debut.
"He's like a metronome," Kear said. "He doesn't get tired. He's a very exciting talent.
"He's at South Wales Scorpions for another couple of years but I'm certain he'll end up playing full-time rugby league further down the line."
Kear admitted Scotland's Super League experience, and in particular that of Brough, told in the end.
"He's the best half-back in the British game," Kear said. "You've just got to accept that. Some of the things he did were outstanding.
"Those kicks in weather like this were uncatchable and they resulted in tries. I think there are plenty of positives. We had eight players making their debuts and scored four tries in dreadful conditions.
"I'm not going to criticise my players. I thought they fronted up really well. Their effort and application was excellent. There's lots of areas for us to improve in but they are things that are fixable and things you can work on when you are a developing team."
