Wales Vs Scotland — Townsend's side battle back to win in Cardiff
Scotland recovered to beat Wales 26-23 in a Six Nations Round Three match at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, a result decided by a 74th-minute try. The wales vs scotland contest mattered because it leaves Scotland in position to chase a Triple Crown and ends another frustrating defeat for Steve Tandy's side.
Wales Vs Scotland: scoreline, try-scorers and kicking details
The final score was 23-26. Wales scored tries through prop Rhys Carre and Josh Adams, with 10 points coming from fly-half Sam Costelow. The match notes list Wales scoring as: Tries: Carre, Adams; Cons: Costelow 2; Pens: Costelow 2, Evans. Scotland's try-scorers were Kyle Steyn, replacement Darcy Graham, Finn Russell and replacement hooker George Turner, with conversions recorded as Cons: Russell 3. Finn Russell finished the match with 11 points.
How the comeback unfolded at the Principality Stadium
Scotland trailed 20-5 and later 23-12 before mounting a spirited second-half fightback. The Graham try was described as the turning point after some moments of Finn Russell 'magic' and following what was called a Welsh defensive lapse from a restart. George Turner's 74th-minute score as a replacement hooker sealed the victory; it was the first time Scotland had led in the game.
Coaches, consequences and the wider Six Nations picture
Gregor Townsend's side bounced back from an opening-day defeat by Italy in Rome and have now claimed two consecutive victories. Scotland will win a first Triple Crown since 1990 if they can beat Ireland in Dublin on 14 March. Steve Tandy's side will be devastated after what was called a much-improved performance, and Wales' three-year Six Nations losing streak continues.
Match momentum, records and recent trends
The result carries several historical notes: it is the first time Scotland have won four successive games against Wales for 100 years and the first back-to-back away success in Cardiff since 1984. Scotland have not beaten England, Ireland and Wales in the same tournament for 36 years. The narrative also referenced Scotland's previous pattern of results, noting they had lost six of their seven matches that were played directly after a win against England, and that they have managed back-to-back wins after losing the opening game against Italy.
Individual performances and player ratings from Scotland's side
Player ratings published for Scotland detailed a mix of standout shows and struggles. Full-back Blair Kinghorn, described as the Toulouse full-back, made two line breaks for 80 metres from 13 carries, worked well with his backs and produced offloads; he was given a 7. Kyle Steyn, said to bring his Glasgow Warriors brilliance, dived over for Scotland's first try and was rated 9 after several long, jinking runs that repeatedly troubled the Welsh defence. Finn Russell was rated 9 and was credited with transforming a misfiring Scotland into one that could clutch victory; the report said he took his try by dummying and going over from close range.
Other ratings: Huw Jones, identified as a British and Irish Lion, worked with Russell in midfield but was given a 6 after some handling errors, including knocking on from a Duhan van der Merwe offload; Duhan van der Merwe himself was rated 6 and described as often met by two or three tacklers. Sione Tuipulotu was rated 7 after lively footwork and a vital late hit on Louis Rees-Zammit that pinned Wales deep. Ben White was rated 5 and described as working hard early on, while Matt Fagerson was given a 5 and noted as missing an unforgivable four tackles. Rory Darge earned an 8 for winning vital turnovers, Gregor Brown a 5 for hard yards and improved lineout success with George Turner’s arrival, Scott Cummings a 5 for a quiet game, and Max Williamson a 2 after being hooked after 34 minutes following two knock-ons and three missed tackles. The entry for 3 Zander Fagerson was incomplete and unclear in the provided context.
Immediate reaction and closing lines
Reaction to the comeback emphasised the dramatic nature of the win, with quoted lines referencing the turnaround and fans' responses, including phrases such as 'Wales were sleeping!' and 'Heartbreaking, sad, disgrace' as expressions of supporter feeling. The match was widely described as a thrilling game in Cardiff, where Scotland's second-half fightback ultimately proved decisive.
