Scotland 35 – 29 Wales

Scotland held off a late surge from Wales to secure a hard-fought 35-29 victory at Murrayfield on Saturday (Mar 8), keeping their slim hopes of a strong Six Nations finish alive.

The home side dominated for much of the game, with Blair Kinghorn and Tom Jordan leading the charge, but Wales showed resilience in the closing stages to claim a losing bonus point.

SCOTLAND STRIKE EARLY

Wales opened the scoring with an early penalty from Gareth Anscombe, but Scotland responded in emphatic fashion. A fluid attack saw Kinghorn cross in the fifth minute, with Finn Russell adding the extras to put the hosts 7-3 ahead. Minutes later, Jordan ran in Scotland’s second try, again converted by Russell, as the Scots looked to impose themselves.

Darcy Graham extended Scotland’s lead in the 27th minute, finishing off a break from Jordan after a well-timed pass from Russell. Wales, however, found a response through Blair Murray, who latched onto a chip from Anscombe to score. The conversion was missed, leaving the score at 14-8.

The hosts continued their attacking dominance, capitalising on Welsh errors to put Jordan over for his second try of the match just after the half-hour mark. Russell’s boot made it 28-8 at the break, with Wales facing an uphill battle.

WALES FIGHT BACK

Scotland picked up where they left off in the second half, with Kinghorn grabbing his second try to extend the lead to 35-8. But Wales, refusing to go down without a fight, began a spirited comeback.

Ben Thomas sparked hopes of a revival with a well-taken try in the 61st minute after slick handling from Max Llewellyn and Joe Roberts. Teddy Williams followed up with another Welsh try in the 68th minute, with Jarrod Evans converting both to reduce the deficit to 35-22.

As the game neared its conclusion, Wales continued to press. Llewellyn forced his way over in the 83rd minute, securing a crucial bonus point for the visitors. Evans’ conversion brought Wales within six points, but Scotland held firm to seal the win.

MIXED EMOTIONS FOR BOTH TEAMS

For Scotland, the victory keeps them in contention for a respectable finish in the tournament, while Wales will take encouragement from their late rally despite suffering another defeat. Gregor Townsend’s side showed glimpses of their attacking best, but lapses in defence allowed Wales to claw back into the game.

Matt Sherratt’s men, still searching for their first win of the campaign, will take confidence from their fighting spirit heading into their final fixture.

Next up

Scotland face a tough challenge in their final Six Nations clash, while Wales will look to end their campaign on a high and avoid a winless tournament.

WALES head coach Matt Sherratt has named an unchanged starting XV for their Guinness Six Nations clash against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday (KO 4:45pm GMT, live on BBC and S4C).

Jac Morgan continues as captain at blindside flanker, with Tommy Reffell at openside and Taulupe Faletau at No. 8. The front row remains the same, featuring Nicky Smith at loosehead prop, Elliot Dee at hooker, and WillGriff John at tighthead. Will Rowlands and Dafydd Jenkins retain their spots in the second row.

Tomos Williams starts at scrum-half, partnered by Gareth Anscombe at fly-half. In midfield, Ben Thomas lines up alongside Max Llewellyn. Ellis Mee, who made his debut in the previous match, keeps his place on the wing with Tom Rogers on the opposite side, while Blair Murray starts at fullback.

Two changes have been made among the replacements: Dewi Lake returns to the match-day squad for his first Six Nations appearance since 2022, and tighthead prop Keiron Assiratti also comes into the 23. Gareth Thomas, Teddy Williams, and Aaron Wainwright complete the forward replacements, while Rhodri Williams, Jarrod Evans, and Joe Roberts are the backup backs.

Sherratt said: “This week, we’ve challenged ourselves to keep improving. We want to maintain the same intent and bravery we showed against Ireland but ensure we build on our performance. We’re excited for the challenge of playing Scotland in Edinburgh and can’t wait to get out there on Saturday.”

Wales team to face Scotland

Starting XV:
15. Blair Murray (Scarlets – 6 caps)
14. Tom Rogers (Scarlets – 8 caps)
13. Max Llewellyn (Gloucester Rugby – 6 caps)
12. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby – 10 caps)
11. Ellis Mee (Scarlets – 1 cap)
10. Gareth Anscombe (Gloucester Rugby – 40 caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby – 62 caps)

1. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers – 52 caps)
2. Elliot Dee (Dragons – 54 caps)
3. WillGriff John (Sale Sharks – 3 caps)
4. Will Rowlands (Racing 92 – 39 caps)
5. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs – 21 caps)
6. Jac Morgan (Ospreys – 21 caps) – captain
7. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers – 25 caps)
8. Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff Rugby – 106 caps)

Replacements:
16. Dewi Lake (Ospreys – 18 caps)
17. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys – 38 caps)
18. Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby – 12 caps)
19. Teddy Williams (Cardiff Rugby – 4 caps)
20. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons – 55 caps)
21. Rhodri Williams (Dragons – 7 caps)
22. Jarrod Evans (Harlequins – 9 caps)
23. Joe Roberts (Scarlets – 3 caps)

2025 Guinness Six Nations fixtures

Friday 31 January: France 43-0 Wales – Stade de France, Paris
Saturday 8 February: Italy 22-15 Wales – Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Saturday 22 February: Wales 18-27 Ireland – Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Saturday 8 March: Scotland v Wales – Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh (KO 4:45pm GMT)
Saturday 15 March: Wales v England – Principality Stadium, Cardiff (KO 4:45pm GMT)

THE MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire has praised Haverfordwest County Football Club for its contributions to the local community, highlighting its impact during Commons questions in Parliament.

Henry Tufnell MP called on the Minister of State for Sport, Stephanie Peacock MP, to join him in recognising the club’s efforts and to wish them success for the rest of the season.

“I was thrilled to highlight the incredible work carried out by Haverfordwest County across our community,” said Tufnell. “Our local club facilitates football sessions for school pupils through the brilliant Fit & Fed programme, which also provides a healthy meal for pupils.”

He also commended the club’s walking football sessions, which have helped make the sport more accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

“I know the real difference access to sport can have for communities, and Haverfordwest County are making an amazing impact in our county,” he said.

“So, I was delighted that the minister could join me in applauding Haverfordwest County and wishing them luck for the rest of the season.”