Scotland Survive Major Scare as Wales Fall Heartbreakingly Short of Long-Awaited Six Nations Win
Wales 23-26 Scotland: A three-year wait for a victory in the competition continues for the vastly-improved hosts, who could not quite stop a late Scottish fightback in a pulsating Six Nations clash at Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Dramatic Comeback Seals Scottish Triumph
Scotland stayed on course for a first Triple Crown since 1990 with a remarkable 26-23 comeback victory against winless Wales. Wales led for 75 minutes and were 20-5 up at the start of the second half, but Scotland roared back with tries from Kyle Steyn, Finn Russell, Darcy Graham, and George Turner. Russell added three conversions as Scotland backed up their Murrayfield victory over England.
Wales' Strong Start Fades Away
Rhys Carre and Josh Adams, plus seven points from the boot of Sam Costelow, gave Wales a 17-5 interval lead. Costelow and Jarrod Evans landed second-half penalties, but it was more misery for the home fans as Wales suffered a 14th consecutive Six Nations defeat. This was Scotland's fourth straight victory over Wales, their best run since winning five in a row between 1923 and 1927.
Key Moments of the Match
Wales were desperate for a positive start after being blitzed in the opening quarter by England and France. However, they were reduced to 14 men inside five minutes as Joe Hawkins made shoulder-to-head contact on Gregor Brown and received a yellow card. A bunker review ended with no further punishment for the centre, but Wales were disadvantaged for 10 minutes.
Adams only prevented Scotland from taking the lead with a goal-line interception. Wales made the most of that escape after 10 minutes as Tomos Williams' tap penalty set up a forward drive that ended with prop Carre scoring for the second successive game. Costelow converted, but Wales lost flanker Taine Plumtree to a shoulder injury.
Scotland soon bared their attacking teeth again. Sione Tuipulotu drove through the middle and Finn Russell released Blair Kinghorn to send over Steyn in the corner moments before Hawkins returned to the fray. This was a far different Wales, however, to the timid team beaten by England and outclassed against France.
Wales Extend Lead Before Collapse
The lead was extended after 19 minutes. Dewi Lake, scurrying on the floor at one point, made crucial yardage and Wales charged to the try line again. Costelow kept his composure to send Adams over out wide, and added another five points with a touchline conversion and straightforward penalty as Wales continued to win the physical battle.
Costelow took Wales' lead to beyond two scores with his second penalty, and Scotland's frustration was summed up by Huw Jones – who crossed twice against England – dropping the ball with the try line calling him. But Russell made no mistake after Scotland pounded the home line with 20-plus phases, the fly-half spotting space and converting his own score.
Late Turnaround Seals Scottish Victory
Replacement fly-half Jarrod Evans' first involvement was to extend Wales' lead with a penalty, but Scotland struck straight from the kick-off. Russell sent the ball over the head of James Botham and Graham was alert to collect the bouncing ball. Russell added the extras to cut the gap to 23-19.
Wales missed the chance to extend their lead when a penalty was overturned for foul play, and that proved critical as replacement hooker Turner claimed Scotland's bonus point try five minutes from time, with Russell adding the final gloss. Scotland will now head to Dublin on the final weekend of Championship action with the Triple Crown on the line.
