Scotland celebrate hard-fought victory over Wales

Scotland claimed their third consecutive win in the Women’s Six Nations tournament with a narrow triumph against Wales in the opening round. The match, held at the Principality Stadium, saw the hosts secure a 24-19 victory, with tries from Chloe Rollie, Shona Campbell, and Lucia Scott. Wales, meanwhile, managed three scores from Kelsey Jones, Sisilia Tuipulotu, and Kate Williams.

Game highlights and turning points

The opening half was dominated by Wales, who looked poised in their defense under new coach Tyrone Holmes. A promising start saw Jones and Tuipulotu scoring early, extending their wait for a championship win to six matches. Scotland, however, responded with a slick move that ended in Rollie’s try, setting the tone for a back-and-forth encounter.

“Rallied by the Principality Stadium crowd, Wales threw the kitchen sink at Scotland as the clock ran close to 90 minutes,”

Scotland’s momentum shifted in the second half after a key penalty from Nelson brought them within two points. The visitors then capitalized on Welsh errors, with Campbell scoring her first try for Scotland since 2022. Despite a golden chance to extend the lead, Wales nearly equalized when Orr left the field with an injury, replaced by Evie Wills.

Wales’ resilience was tested further when Bryonie King received a yellow card for a high tackle. Scotland used this to their advantage, with Scott scoring a decisive try after a pinpoint kick from Smith. Yet Wales fought back, as their bench made a significant impact, with Donna Rose and Seren Singleton creating late pressure. Ultimately, Williams crossed under the posts to secure a conversion for Keira Bevan, but Scotland held firm to claim the win.

Team lineups and referee

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.

Referee: Ella Goldsmith (RA Assi)