Scotland Kick Off New Era With Hard-Fought Victory Over Wales in Cardiff

Scotland have made a statement at the start of a new chapter. In the first match of the Women's Six Nations, the visitors left Cardiff with a 24-19 victory over Wales — a result that will feel sweet for a side rebuilding under fresh leadership.

The match began with Wales looking well organised, new defence coach Tyrone Holmes clearly having installed structure early on. But Scotland exploited a narrow defensive shape with speed and precision. Emma Orr powered through the midfield before the ball was moved wide, where Rhona Lloyd delivered a selfless pass back inside for Rollie to cross unopposed. It was the kind of clinical rugby that sets the tone.

Wales responded immediately. From a line-out, hooker Kelsey Jones found the back of the rolling maul to dot down, and the home crowd found their voice. The equaliser became a double blow when Scotland prop Leah Bartlett — earning her 50th cap — was sent to the sin bin for an infringement in the build-up. Wales capitalised on the extra player when Tuipulotu muscled her way over from close range.

Scotland refused to fold. A Gwen Crabb turnover gifted Wales field position, but the hosts overthrew their own line-out, and when the ball squirmed free, Campbell gathered and scored. It was her first Scotland appearance since 2022, and she marked it in style. The setback was compounded when Emma Orr limped off with a worrying injury, her replacement Evie Wills thrust into the action.

The match turned on discipline midway through the second half. Wales lock Bryonie King was shown a yellow card for a high tackle on Scotland number eight Emily Coubrough, and Scotland made them pay. Replacement Scott collected Meryl Smith's pinpoint kick from the air, stepped past Kayleigh Powell, and stretched the lead to seven points.

Wales were not finished, however. Their bench made a telling impact in the closing stages. Donna Rose broke through the defence before Seren Singleton sniped dangerously close to the line. The ball was recycled quickly, and Williams crashed over under the posts, giving Keira Bevan a simple conversion to bring Wales within two.

With five points separating the sides, Wales worked the ball from deep inside their own half and earned a penalty that set up one final assault. But the line-out was fumbled, and Scotland held on for victory.

It was a 10th defeat in 11 Tests for Wales head coach Sean Lynn, though there were genuine signs of progress — particularly in the first half, where the pack showed more physicality than in last summer's World Cup defeat to the same opponents. Wales leave with a losing bonus point that could yet prove valuable in the standings.

For Scotland, the debut of Sione Fukofuka's era could not have gone much better. A fighting win on the road, with tries of genuine quality and character when it mattered. The Six Nations is just getting started.