Sean Lynn’s side showed plenty of promise in the 24-19 Women’s Six Nations defeat in Cardiff
Wales’ wait for a Women’s Six Nations victory goes on after they were beaten 24-19 by Scotland in the Six Nations opener at the Principality Stadium.
Despite leading at half-time and showing clear signs of progress under Sean Lynn, a clinical second-half display from Scotland turned the game on its head, leaving Wales with plenty of positives but little reward beyond a losing bonus point.
A five-minute delay to kick-off due to technical issues did little to disrupt Scotland’s early rhythm, as they dominated possession in the opening exchanges but struggled to make meaningful ground.
Wales, however, settled quickly. Gwenn Crabb made an immediate impact at the breakdown, helping the hosts build momentum and work their way up-field with purpose.
Despite that, it was Scotland who struck first. A rapid counter-attack in the eighth minute caught Wales exposed, with Chloe Rollie finishing clinically after sharp work from Emma Orr and Rhona Lloyd. Helen Nelson added the conversion to make it 7-0.
Wales responded almost immediately. Sustained forward pressure paid off as Kelsey Jones powered over from close range, with Keira Bevan converting to level the score 7-7.
Momentum swung further when Scotland prop Leah Bartlett was sent to the sin bin following the score, and Wales capitalised. A series of driving mauls and relentless pressure culminated in Sisilia Tuipulotu crashing over to give the hosts the lead, though the conversion struck the post.
Wales looked transformed from the side that has struggled for results in recent campaigns. Their defensive structure was far tighter, with Crabb a constant nuisance at the breakdown, while teenage debutant Jorja Aiono impressed with some powerful carries.
Wales’ line-out drive proved a consistent weapon, and with players like Kayleigh Powell and debutant Seren Singleton showing flashes of quality, the hosts appeared in control.
However, Scotland remained clinical. Despite limited entries into the Welsh 22, Nelson reduced the deficit with a penalty late in the half, cutting the gap to two points.
A noticeable momentum shift followed, with Scotland improving at the scrum and gaining territory heading into the break, leaving the contest finely poised at 12-10.
But the second half proved decisive Wales.
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Wales started brightly again, but errors began to creep in and Scotland grew into the game.
The visitors turned the tide in the 51st minute when Shona Campbell finished a sharp break to score her first try for Scotland, with Nelson converting to give them the lead 17-12.
After that, Scotland controlled territory and possession with Wales struggling to get into the game. When Bryonie King was shown a yellow card for a high tackle just before the hour mark, Wales’ task intensified.
Scotland made it count. Substitute Lucia Scott struck shortly after coming on, finishing another clinical attack to extend the lead to 24-12.
Wales’ defence, so impressive in the first half, began to stretch under sustained pressure as Scotland’s attacking shape improved significantly.
To their credit, Wales continued to fight on. Captain Kate Williams powered over in the 73rd minute after strong work from the bench, with Lleucu George converting to bring the hosts back within five points.
A lifted crowd sensed a comeback, and Wales pushed hard in the closing stages, but Scotland managed the game well, keeping Wales pinned back and denying them a final clear-cut opportunity long after the clock had gone red.
Wales showed clear signs of improvement particularly in their defensive organisation and set-piece and will take a lot of positives. But ultimately, they paid the price against a clinical Scottish side.
They now turn their attention to a tough test against France in Cardiff, while Scotland head to face England with momentum on their side.
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