Scotland were spared a damaging Six Nations embarrassment after clawing back from 20–5 down to edge Wales 26–23 in a dramatic encounter on Saturday.
For long stretches, Wales looked set to end a two-year wait for a Six Nations victory. Instead, a gripping contest swung on a costly lapse in concentration that allowed Scotland back from the brink.
The turning point came in the 58th minute. With Wales leading 23–12, they were caught napping by a lightning-quick restart from Finn Russell. Replacement winger Darcy Graham gathered a fortunate bounce and raced away to score, suddenly cutting the deficit to 23–19 and shifting momentum.
Scotland, heavy pre-match favourites, finally edged in front for the first time in the 74th minute when replacement hooker George Turner powered over from a lineout maul for their bonus-point fourth try. Russell added his third conversion to complete the turnaround.
It was far from convincing. Scotland entered the match as 20-point favourites after hammering England at Murrayfield last weekend, but history suggested danger. After their previous eight wins over England, Scotland had followed with six defeats, struggling to handle the emotional and physical fallout.
Wales sensed vulnerability — and nearly made it count.
Under the guidance of coach Steve Tandy, Scotland’s former long-time defence chief, Wales produced a sharp, disciplined display. After heavy losses to New Zealand, South Africa, England and France, this was a contest closer to their current level, and they seized it with purpose.
A spirited first half earned Wales a deserved 17–5 halftime lead and genuine belief that a 14-match Six Nations losing streak could finally be snapped.
In the end, Scotland’s resilience proved decisive. The grit that has defined their recent progress carried them through when flair failed, leaving them with two wins from three matches and firmly positioned as the closest challengers to unbeaten France.
The two sides meet at Murrayfield in a fortnight — and after this escape, Scotland know they will need far more than fortune to keep pace at the top.
English