Wales 23 – 26 Scotland

WALES suffered agonising late heartbreak at the Principality Stadium on Saturday (Feb 21) as Scotland produced a second-half comeback to claim a 26–23 victory in a pulsating Six Nations encounter.

In what was comfortably Wales’ most competitive performance of the championship so far, Warren Gatland’s side led for the majority of the contest and looked on course for a morale-boosting win before relentless Scottish pressure in the closing stages turned the match on its head.

The defeat leaves Wales still searching for a first victory of the campaign, while Scotland remain firmly in contention near the top of the table.

Fast Welsh start

Wales began with urgency and physical intent, clearly determined to impose themselves after heavy defeats earlier in the tournament. Their forward pack carried with aggression, winning the gainline battle and providing quick ball for the backs.

Early territorial pressure eventually told when prop Rhys Carré crashed over from close range following multiple phases near the Scottish line. The try lifted the Cardiff crowd and gave Wales early confidence.

Scotland initially struggled to find rhythm but remained dangerous in broken play. Winger Kyle Steyn crossed to keep the visitors in touch after a sharp attacking move, though Wales continued to look the more cohesive side.

The home team extended their advantage before the interval with one of the best passages of attacking play seen from Wales in this year’s competition. Quick hands and accurate support lines created space out wide, allowing Josh Adams to finish clinically in the corner.

With the conversion added, Wales went into half-time leading 17–5, having controlled both territory and physical exchanges.

Momentum swings after the break

The second half began with a noticeable shift in momentum. Scotland increased their tempo and began to play with more width, with fly-half Finn Russell growing increasingly influential.

Russell’s tactical kicking pinned Wales back inside their own half, while his distribution began to unlock the Scottish backline. That pressure produced results when Darcy Graham finished a well-constructed move to reduce the deficit and spark Scottish belief.

Wales responded with determined defence and briefly steadied themselves with penalty points, but Scotland were now controlling possession and territory for long stretches.

Russell then crossed himself after orchestrating a slick attacking move involving multiple phases and quick support runners, bringing Scotland within striking distance and setting up a tense final quarter.

Late pressure proves decisive

As the clock ticked down, Wales clung to a narrow lead but were forced into repeated defensive sets inside their own 22. Scotland’s forwards hammered away at the line through pick-and-drive phases, testing Welsh discipline and defensive organisation.

The decisive moment came in the closing minutes when replacement hooker George Turner forced his way over from close range after sustained pressure near the Welsh line. The score put Scotland ahead for the first time in the match.

Although there were nervy moments late on, Scotland’s defence held firm to secure the victory and silence the home crowd.

Encouragement despite defeat

For Wales, the result will feel particularly cruel given the improvement shown. Their physicality, defensive commitment, and attacking cohesion were significantly better than in previous rounds, and for long periods they matched — and at times outplayed — a strong Scottish side.

However, crucial moments ultimately proved costly. Missed tackles, turnovers under pressure, and an inability to clear their lines during the closing stages allowed Scotland back into the contest.

There were positives in individual performances, particularly in the Welsh pack and back-three, but the frustration of another narrow defeat was evident at full-time.

Scotland title hopes alive

For Scotland, the win represents another significant step forward under Gregor Townsend and keeps their Six Nations title hopes alive heading into the final rounds.

Their resilience, attacking ambition, and ability to capitalise on late opportunities proved decisive, with Russell once again central to their attacking threat.

Wales must now regroup quickly ahead of their next fixture, with signs of progress offering some encouragement despite the disappointment of defeat.

Community partnership helps Wales squads prepare to defend titles in Tokyo

WELSH audiologists are backing the world-champion Wales Deaf Rugby squads with a major sponsorship as the teams prepare to defend their titles at the World Deaf Rugby 7s Championships in Tokyo later this year.

Support from eleven locally owned Specsavers audiology businesses will help fund new kits, training facilities and travel costs as the men’s and women’s teams gear up for international competition.

The sponsorship comes as Wales Deaf Rugby works towards a £150,000 fundraising target to enable both squads to travel to Japan and compete at the World Championship in October. The teams were last crowned world champions in Córdoba, Argentina, in 2023.

Ahead of a recent victory against Jamaica, several players visited Specsavers’ Port Talbot store, where they met audiologist Kyle James to discuss the role hearing plays in both sport and everyday life.

Kyle James said: “Wales Deaf Rugby shows what’s possible when talent is matched with the right support. We’re proud to be backing both the men’s and women’s teams as they prepare to defend their world titles.

“As audiologists rooted in the local community, we see first-hand the difference good hearing health can make — not just in sport, but in confidence, communication and everyday life. Supporting these athletes is about inclusion, opportunity and helping them compete on the world stage.”

Siân-Elin Melbourne, chairman of Wales Deaf Rugby, said the partnership was particularly important during a pivotal year for the organisation.

She said: “This partnership means a huge amount to us, especially in such a significant year for the club. I was proud to be part of the very first Wales Deaf women’s team back in 2019, and to now see both squads preparing to defend world titles on the global stage is incredibly powerful.

“Support from Specsavers doesn’t just help with travel and kits — it sends a message to our players that they are valued, believed in and backed by their communities. As we build towards Tokyo, that belief makes all the difference.”

Wales Deaf Rugby is a Welsh sports charity dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes, promoting access, equality and excellence in sport. The organisation is volunteer-run and receives no funding from the Welsh Rugby Union.

People wishing to donate to the club’s World Deaf Rugby 7s World Championship fundraiser can do so via the campaign page online. Those seeking expert guidance on hearing health can also book a hearing check through Specsavers.

Welsh champion jockey reaches elite landmark as he targets Cheltenham success

A PEMBROKESHIRE jockey has cemented his place among British racing’s elite after riding his 200th winner of the season on Friday (Feb 20).

Sean Bowen, aged 28, achieved the milestone at Ffos Las Racecourse aboard Harbour Island in the Roperhurst.com Scrubbers from Barry Novices’ Hurdle, with the horse trained by Olly Murphy.

The victory puts Bowen into an exclusive group of riders to reach 200 winners in a single season, joining legendary names including AP McCoy, Peter Scudamore, Richard Johnson and Brian Hughes.

Bowen, the reigning Champion Jockey, is enjoying the most successful campaign of his career to date, having already surpassed his previous personal best of 181 winners earlier this season. From 804 rides so far, he has maintained an impressive strike rate of around 25%.

The Welsh rider also holds a commanding lead in the Jump Jockeys’ Championship standings, with rivals Harry Skelton and Brian Hughes trailing significantly behind on 98 and 92 wins respectively.

With major events including the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National Festival approaching, Bowen has set his sights on defending his Champion Jockey title and continuing his record-breaking form.

Great British Racing said the achievement highlights Bowen’s consistency and talent during what is shaping up to be a historic season.