Scotland Extend Winning Streak Against Wales
Scotland have now won their last three Six Nations matches against Wales.
Tries: Jones, Tuipulotu, Williams Cons: Bevan 2
Tries: Rollie, Campbell, Scott Cons: Nelson 3 Pen: Nelson
Scotland commenced a new chapter under coach Sione Fukofuka with a narrow victory over Wales in the opening round of the Women's Six Nations.
Wales' front rowers Kelsey Jones and Sisilia Tuipulotu scored tries in a promising first half for the hosts, whose wait for a championship win now extends to six matches. Chloe Rollie responded for Scotland, finishing off a slick move for the visitors.
In the second half, Shona Campbell and Lucia Scott scored tries for Scotland following a significant momentum shift, while Wales captain Kate Williams scored to set up a tense finish.
Encouraged by the Principality Stadium crowd, Wales mounted a strong attack as the match approached 90 minutes, but Scotland held firm to secure their fifth consecutive victory over their Celtic rivals.
Looking ahead, Scotland will host reigning champions England at Murrayfield next Saturday, while Wales will welcome France to Cardiff Arms Park.
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Wales Showing Signs of Improvement
Wales appeared solid in defence early on, with new defence coach Tyrone Holmes having a noticeable impact, but they were caught narrow for the opening score.
Emma Orr led a counter-attack through midfield before the ball was passed wide to Rhona Lloyd, who selflessly passed back inside for Rollie to score.
Wales responded almost immediately from line-out ball, with Kelsey Jones finding Bethan Lewis before joining the back of the rolling maul to score.
This proved a setback for Scotland, compounded by prop Leah Bartlett being sin-binned for an infringement during the build-up, marking her 50th appearance.
On 20 minutes, Wales capitalised on a Gwen Crabb turnover to gain a promising attacking platform. Despite slightly overthrown line-out ball, Tuipulotu secured a clean catch and powered through the defence to score.
Wales missed a few promising chances as their set-piece wobbled but overall showed a marked improvement compared to the side that was outmuscled by Scotland at last summer's World Cup. Teenage debutant Jorja Aiono was a willing ball-carrier.
Scotland reduced the deficit to two points with a penalty from Nelson and appeared the more threatening side approaching halftime. However, they squandered a golden opportunity when Lana Skeldon was penalised for dummying a throw into a five-metre line-out.
Scotland Demonstrate Their Class
Early in the second half, Scotland regained the lead after Wales' backline failed to secure a speculative kick by Nelson, allowing Campbell to score on her first Scotland appearance since 2022.
However, celebrations were tempered when Emma Orr left the field with a concerning injury, replaced by Evie Wills.
Scotland continued to challenge the Welsh defence, which struggled to gain a foothold, worsened by Bryonie King receiving a yellow card for a high tackle on Scotland's number eight Emily Coubrough.
Scotland's third try was a highlight, with replacement Scott catching a precise kick from Meryl Smith and effortlessly evading Kayleigh Powell to extend the lead.
Wales responded strongly, with their bench making a significant impact. Donna Rose broke through the defence before Seren Singleton narrowly missed scoring.
Wales recycled possession effectively, and Williams scored under the posts, allowing Keira Bevan an easy conversion.
With the margin reduced to five points, Wales advanced from deep inside their half, led by Powell, and earned a penalty lifeline. However, a fumbled lineout ended their hopes, leaving the visitors to celebrate the win.
Despite this being Wales head coach Sean Lynn's 10th defeat in 11 Test matches, there were clear signs of progress from their World Cup performance, particularly in the first half. Wales left with a potentially valuable losing bonus point.
Team Line-Ups
Wales: Powell; Singleton, Cox, Keight, Neumann; George; Bevan, G Pyrs, Jones, Tuipulotu, Aiono, Crabb, Lewis, Williams (capt), King.
Replacements: Reardon, Davies, Rose, A Pyrs, Evans, Metcalfe, Lockwood, Dallavalle.
Scotland: Rollie; Lloyd, Orr, Smith, Campbell; Nelson, Brebner-Holden; Bartlett, Skeldon, Clarke, Wassell, Cunningham, Malcolm, Stewart, Coubrough.
Replacements: Martin, Swann, Poolman, Bogan, Donaldson, Darroch, Wills, Scott.
Assistants: Precious Pazani (ZRU), Alexandra Ferre (FFR)
