Wales Vs Scotland: Townsend's side battle back in Cardiff to win 26-23

Scotland delivered a spirited second-half fightback to beat Wales 26-23 in a thrilling Six Nations encounter in Cardiff. Wales Vs Scotland produced late drama when replacement hooker George Turner scored a 74th-minute try to seal the victory, a result that keeps Scotland’s momentum alive and prolongs Wales’ losing run in the championship.

Wales Vs Scotland: Match drama and scoreline

The final score read Wales 23-26 Scotland. Wales’ tries were scored by Rhys Carre and Josh Adams; Sam Costelow added two conversions and two penalty kicks, while an additional penalty was kicked by Evans. Scotland’s tries came from Kyle Steyn, Finn Russell, Darcy Graham and George Turner, with Finn Russell successful with three conversions. Finn Russell finished with 11 points in the match. Scotland trailed 20-5 and then 23-12 before the second-half turnaround.

Scoring breakdown and key moments

Scotland scored three second-half tries to overturn the deficit. The Graham try was identified as the turning point, following a period of Finn Russell magic and a Welsh defensive lapse from a restart. It was the first time Scotland had led in the game, with earlier tries from wing Kyle Steyn, replacement Darcy Graham and fly-half Finn Russell setting up the late win. The decisive score arrived in the 74th minute when replacement hooker George Turner crossed the line to seal the comeback.

Scotland player ratings and performances

Player-by-player assessments highlighted several standout displays and some struggles:

• 15 Blair Kinghorn (Toulouse full-back): returned to the starting team, made two line breaks for 80 metres from 13 carries, worked well with his backs and offloaded more than once. Rating: 7.
• 14 Kyle Steyn: described as terrific, showed Glasgow Warriors form, scored Scotland’s first try with a brilliant winger’s finish and beat eight players over a 75-metre sequence with jinking runs. Rating: 9.
• 13 Huw Jones: worked well with Finn Russell, found space in midfield but committed a couple of handling errors, including a knock-on from a Duhan van der Merwe offload. Rating: 6.
• 12 Sione Tuipulotu: used footwork to create holes, provided grit for the comeback and made a crucial hit on Louis Rees-Zammit late in the match to pin Wales deep. Rating: 7.
• 11 Duhan van der Merwe: dangerous in attack but frequently met multiple tacklers, limiting his influence. Rating: 6.
• 10 Finn Russell (Bath fly-half): key instigator of the comeback, fizzed the ball around, scored a try from close range. Rating: 9; finished the match with 11 points.
• 9 Ben White: worked hard and sped around the pitch early but struggled as the system faltered. Rating: 5.
• 8 Matt Fagerson: mixed game; effective in parts of attack but missed four tackles in defence. Rating: 5.
• 7 Rory Darge: important around the park, won turnovers and made a significant defensive impact. Rating: 8.
• 6 Gregor Brown: made hard yards with ball in hand and led the lineout better with George Turner’s arrival, though handling was an issue at times. Rating: 5.
• 5 Scott Cummings: quiet day for the Glasgow lock; not outstanding but not culpable. Rating: 5.
• 4 Max Williamson: knocked on twice in key positions, missed three tackles and was hooked after 34 minutes. Rating: 2.
• 3 Zander Fagerson: description in the provided context is incomplete and unclear in the provided context; rating unclear in the provided context.

One separate headline in the same coverage noted that Brian O’Driscoll was 'flummoxed' by Ireland’s incredible victory over a described-as 'vulnerable' England.

Wales response, reaction and streak

Wales had produced a much-improved performance but remain in a three-year Six Nations losing streak. Reactions from supporters and observers in the aftermath reflected heartbreak and frustration, with comments such as 'Heartbreaking, sad, disgrace' appearing among fan reaction and other commentary noting moments like 'Wales were sleeping!' after a try scored straight from kick-off. Steve Tandy’s side was described as likely to be devastated by the result.

Implications for Scotland and next steps

The win continues Scotland’s recovery after an opening-day defeat by Italy in Rome; they have now bounced back with two victories. If Scotland beat Ireland in Dublin on 14 March they will secure their first Triple Crown since 1990. The victory also marked the first time Scotland have won four successive games against Wales for 100 years and represents their first back-to-back away success in Cardiff since 1984. Scotland had not beaten England, Ireland and Wales in the same tournament for 36 years prior to this run, and the win also overturned a recent pattern in which Scotland had lost six of seven matches played directly after a win against England—this time they backed up their earlier victory over England (31-20) with another positive result.

Match report extras and video highlights

Match coverage included a highlights package titled 'Spirited second-half fightback gives Scotland win over Wales' (00: 09: 26). Related video items listed alongside the match coverage included:

• England need to forget Scotland loss and look forward - Ashton. Video, 00: 06: 16
• Costelow 'responded well' to Wales omission - Tandy. Video, 00: 00: 25
• Wales defence will improve against Scotland - Lake. Video, 00: 00: 37
• 'It's a story to try to disrupt' - Townsend on Newcastle link. Video, 00: 01: 26
• 'It's the ultimate role' - Carrick on Man Utd job. Video, 00: 03: 16
• 'Shouldn't be in the game' - Rosenior wants stronger racism penalties. Video, 00: 02: 12
• Past Kane & chasing Mbappe - why Gordon is lethal in Europe. Video, 00: 02: 14
• Williams and White react to fans' WSL hot takes. Video, 00: 05: 36
• Boxing rivalry is one thing, humanity is another - Fury. Video, 00: 00: 57
• Playing to be seen - how sport helps India's Siddi community from social isolation. Video, 00: 03: 55
• Fury says latest comeback is 'to make boxing great again'. Video, 00: 01: 27
• Officials need VAR after FA Cup mistakes - Rooney. Video, 00: 02: 46
• How is Zubimendi helping Arsenal's title push? Video, 00: 03: 36
• Martinez on club v country & managing Belgium's 'golden generation'. Video, 00: 03: 38
• To boo or not to boo? Pundits and fans have their say. Video, 00: 02: 27

Match report notes list the fixture as a Six Nations Round Three contest held at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. The match report title in coverage reads: 'Six Nations 2026 - Wales 23-26 Scotland. '