Wales Vs Scotland: Russell Inspires Dramatic Cardiff Comeback as Scotland Win 26-23

Scotland produced a spirited second-half fightback to beat Wales 26-23 in Cardiff in a match defined by late drama and relentless intensity. Wales led for most of the game, but a close-range lineout, a piled-over score by George Turner and a clutch boot from Finn Russell completed a turnaround that sent Scotland to the top of the table.

Match report: Wales Vs Scotland

The game at the Principality Stadium was a rollercoaster. Wales opened the scoring through Rhys Carre and Josh Adams, with Sam Costelow providing the goal-kicking returns that put the hosts 17-5 up by the 30th minute and 23-19 in front late on. Scotland fought back with tries from Kyle Steyn, Finn Russell, Graham and George Turner, with Russell adding three conversions. The final score read Wales 23, Scotland 26. Attendance was 70, 649.

Key moments and turning points

• Early physical edge: Wales produced long attacking phases early on; referee Matt Carley penalised an off-the-feet offence inside the first minute.
• Yellow card: Joe Hawkins received an early yellow for a high tackle, temporarily reducing Wales to 14 men and giving Scotland a significant early opportunity.
• Scotland response: Blair Kinghorn’s break created space for Kyle Steyn to claim his 16th international try, closing the gap to 7-5.
• Second-half shift: Scotland were trailing 20-5 after 47 minutes but outscored Wales 21-3 for the remainder of the contest, overturning the deficit to win by three points.
• Decisive finish: Scotland rumbled off a close-range lineout late on and George Turner piled over to put Scotland ahead for the first time on the day; Finn Russell’s successful kick made it a three-point margin that the visitors held to full-time.

Russell’s influence and Scotland’s comeback

Finn Russell was central to Scotland’s second-half resurgence, contributing 11 points in the turnaround and orchestrating phases that led to two fast, game-changing scores. The visitors’ recovery from a 15-point deficit showcased a different kind of victory for Scotland — an ugly, gritty triumph that contrasted with the panache displayed the previous week. Sione Tuipulotu reflected that the team had to dig deep to produce the comeback.

Wales’ performance, injuries and reaction

Wales produced an energetic first-half display that looked dominant at times. Key performers such as Dewi Lake and Rhys Carre, along with the locks, back-rows and midfield, were described as outstanding in patches and the home crowd generated deafening noise that amplified the atmosphere inside the Principality. Yet the hosts were visibly flagging in the final stages.

Wales also dealt with injuries to Sam Costelow and Taine Plumtree; the head coach said both players did not look in great shape following their knocks. The Wales captain described the loss as gut-wrenching, emphasising that the team had delivered the performance they worked on in the week and had been dominant in the first half but failed to stay in the moments for the full 80 minutes.

Squad notes, substitutions and milestones

Wales’ matchday selection included Rees-Zammit, Hamer-Webb, James, Hawkins and Adams in the backline, with Costelow at fly-half before an injury change. Scotland’s backline showed depth with Kinghorn and Steyn prominent; Graham’s try came straight from a restart phase. Tactical changes featured Pierre Schoeman replacing Nathan McBeth and Josh Bayliss coming on for Max Williamson, with Gregor Brown moving into the second row. Bayliss won an early post-restart jackal penalty that helped Scotland build the platform for their comeback.

Implications: table position and trophies

The victory saw Scotland retain the Doddie Weir Cup and move to the top of the Six Nations table after three rounds. The team will drop to second if France beat Italy on Sunday. This win also followed Scotland’s Calcutta Cup success the previous week and marked the third occasion that Scotland have won this fixture immediately after beating England in the tournament, underscoring a run of momentum for Gregor Townsend’s side as they press on in the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations campaign.

The closing stages in Cardiff combined high drama, physical attrition and a moment of dark comedy as Scotland pounded at the Welsh line while the stadium urged its crowd to "get louder. " In the end, cool heads and grit carried the visitors through an extraordinary finish.