Drama at the Principality: Wales edged by Scotland in Women’s Six Nations thriller

The Principality Stadium played host to one of the most thrilling rugby encounters of the opening Women’s Six Nations weekend as Wales and Scotland served up an absolute classic that had spectators on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

Welsh hearts were broken seven minutes into stoppage time as Scotland managed to haul themselves over the winning line in a game that featured sensational tries, late drama, and all the ingredients of a fixture that will be remembered for years to come. The match was broadcast live on BBC Two, though the only criticism of a truly memorable occasion was the attendance figure.

Some 10,569 supporters packed into the national stadium for the encounter, setting a new record for any fixture between these two teams held on Welsh soil. It was a fitting reward for the Welsh Rugby Union’s commitment to growing the women’s game by scheduling at least one game a season at the Principality. Yet the consensus among observers was that a venue such as the adjacent Cardiff Arms Park, with its capacity of 12,000, or the much larger Cardiff City Stadium might have translated the incredible atmosphere better for players and viewers alike.

Wales had shown promising signs in the build-up but few could have predicted the magnitude of their performance against a Scotland side that arrived as favourites. Head coach Sean Lynn expressed his pride in the team’s display, noting the character and fight shown by his players throughout the match. “The improvement we’ve made from the World Cup to where we are now is clear for all to see,” Lynn said after the match. “To be playing phase after phase from our own try line under that pressure, that is what we’ve been working towards.”

The game began with Scotland controlling much of the early territory, and Wales found themselves trailing 24-12 at one stage. Rather than accept defeat, Wales rallied impressively, drawing within five points as the clock ticked deep into the red. The home crowd roared them on, willing their team to hold on for what would have been a first Six Nations victory since their 22-20 win over Italy in 2024.

In the end, a fumbled lineout in the dying moments proved decisive, though debate immediately erupted over a potential additional penalty, with television replays suggesting a deliberate knock-on at the set piece that went unpunished.

For Scotland, the result marked a first victory for new head coach Sione Fukofuka since his appointment in December. Fly-half Helen Nelson, who earned player of the match honours, acknowledged the tension of the closing stages: “It was tight at the end and we had to dig deep defensively. It is always a battle against Wales but I am proud of how we finished the game.”

Elsewhere in the opening round, England set a new Women’s Six Nations attendance record with 77,120 fans watching their 33-12 victory over Ireland at Twickenham. The Red Roses now travel to Murrayfield for their round two clash against Scotland, where another substantial crowd is expected to witness what promises to be another compelling chapter in this tournament’s story.

France currently sit top of the table on points difference following their impressive victory over Italy in Grenoble, and they travel to Cardiff for their next assignment with two of the three stands at the Arms Park already sold out. The challenge for Wales now is to build on this performance and translate the passion shown against Scotland into results as the tournament progresses.