Alun Wyn Jones praised his side as Wales overcame Scotland 34-7 in the opening match of the NatWest 6 Nations at Principality Stadium.
A pair of tries from Leigh Halfpenny and scores from Gareth Davies and Steff Evans saw Wales open their campaign with a bonus point win.
And captain Jones was encouraged by the performances of those who stepped into the Welsh starting XV after a string of injuries to key players.
He said: “A lot has been said about injuries on both sides but as two XVs, we had to deal with the people on the park.
“We’re obviously very pleased to start like that but it’s a long campaign ahead.
“There were opportunities on both sides but I’m particularly pleased with the way some of our guys took their opportunities, whether it was their first cap or they’ve got a handful.
“I thought it was a credit to the squad, the way they played today.”
Jones admitted Wales were wary of a Scotland side who impressed in the Autumn Internationals and were tipped as potential champions coming into the game.
He said: “Credit to Scotland; the way they’ve been playing, that was a performance borne out of respect to them.”
Wales will now visit Twickenham Stadium to face England in their second NatWest 6 Nations fixture on Saturday February 10.
