There was little Scottish grit in the opening stages as Wales raced out of the blocks and established a healthy lead thanks to Sam Costelow’s boot and tries from Rhys Carre and Josh Adams.
Townsend turned to his bench early to try to arrest Welsh momentum, with Pierre Schoeman and Josh Bayliss introduced before half-time.
Bayliss was superb and fellow replacements George Horne and Graham brought energy after the break as Scotland built momentum following a sloppy start to the second half.
After one of many Scotland line-outs went astray and the usually reliable Kyle Steyn knocked on, the visitors went through 27 phases before Russell darted over.
It was a spell of composure and cutting edge that Scotland desperately needed – qualities they have lacked when needed in recent times.
“It’s something we’ve worked a lot on in this campaign – having composure and being calm in the 22,” fly-half Finn Russell said. “Now it’s only going to the backs when it’s on.”
The winning try was another example of that new-found calm. A successfully executed line-out, a perfectly set up maul and Turner driving over.
“They still didn’t play particularly well,” former Scotland prop Peter Wright said. “But they showed grit, determination and composure.
“Did we deserve it? In the end, just. We showed bottle and that’s what you want.”
After the opening defeat by Italy and a disappointing autumn campaign, questions have been asked of Townsend and whether he has taken this team as far as he can after nine years at the helm.
However, another Calcutta Cup triumph strengthened his case and his team showed a different side to their game in the Welsh capital.
“In some ways, this is more important or more impressive than last week when they were in control,” former Scotland full-back Chris Paterson said.
“Gregor Townsend was asked difficult questions and made brilliant coaching decisions to introduce players quickly.
“It’s an excellent win on the road for Scotland.”
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