Wales Heartbreak as Scotland Stun Cardiff in Dramatic Six Nations Comeback

The Principality Stadium played host to one of the most compelling matches of the opening Women’s Six Nations round, as Wales and Scotland delivered a thriller that had everything – sensational tries, late drama, and heartbreak for the hosts.

Wales came within a whisker of securing their first Six Nations victory since their 22-20 win over Italy in 2024, but Scotland had other ideas. A fumbled lineout deep in the final moments dashed Welsh hopes, handing Scotland a memorable victory seven minutes past the full 80.

The match, broadcast on BBC Two, drew 10,569 supporters – a record for any fixture between the two teams on Welsh soil. Yet there was a sense among those present that the occasion deserved a larger crowd. The national stadium, hosting its sole women’s match of the tournament, sits adjacent to Cardiff Arms Park and Cardiff City Stadium, both venues that could have accommodated far more fans and potentially created an even more electric atmosphere for the players.

Wales head coach Sean Lynn was left ruing the defeat but proud of his side’s performance, particularly the way they responded after falling 24-12 behind. “The fight and the character that those girls showed at the end, to be playing phase after phase from their own try line, is what we’ve been going after,” Lynn said. “For me it was a Test match, the improvement we’ve made from the World Cup to where we are now, you can clearly see it. I was super proud of them all.”

Scotland’s victory marked a first for new head coach Sione Fukofuka, who took charge in December. Fly-half Helen Nelson, named player of the match, acknowledged the tension of a contest that went down to the wire. “It’s always tight against Wales but I’m just proud that we put in that full performance and managed to get the win,” she said. “It’s been a fast pre-season, we’ve had 12 days together, so we’re just focusing on us.”

England set the tone for the weekend with a commanding 33-12 victory over Ireland at Twickenham, attracting a Women’s Six Nations record attendance of 77,120. The Red Roses now head to Murrayfield for a clash with Scotland that is expected to draw over 25,000 fans.

France sit top of the table on points difference after their impressive win over Italy in Grenoble, and travel to Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday for what promises to be another tightly contested encounter.