The outlook was bleak for Wales after their opening defeat to Ireland in Cardiff but they have responded by grinding out victories in Rome, Paris and now Edinburgh after Leigh Halfpenny’s 23 points helped them to a 28-18 win.

Added to last year’s wins over Ireland in Dublin and England at Twickenham, Wales have not lost on the road since 2011 and as far as this year’s title is concerned, they will go into next Saturday’s clash at the Millennium Stadium with a chance of defending their RBS 6 Nations title.

And Howley was full of praise for his side’s show of character after responding to their losing start.

“I'm immensely proud of winning,” he said. “This is the fifth time this group of players have come away from home and won.

“That shows a lot of character, a lot of team spirit which is what you need when you come away from the Millennium Stadium.

“To come here against a very good Scottish side, who came into the game with quite a bit of confidence with two wins under their belt, it was always going to be attritional battle.

"England are a very good side and it's great it has come down to the last game of the championship.

"We are delighted we have been able to refocus and gain momentum in a championship which is so important after the disappointment of the first-half display against Ireland.

"To come away from the last three games, which were away from home, and win is a credit to the players and the coaching team."

Meanwhile, Howley confirmed that captain Ryan Jones took a knock to his shoulder, which forced him off the pitch at Murrayfield, and a decision on his fitness for the clash with England will be taken next week.