Scotland overcame a 15 point deficit to record an incredible second half comeback and defeat Wales at the Principality Stadium in a thrilling Six Nations clash.
Wales looked on course for victory leading 17-5 at halftime thanks to tries from prop Rhys Carre and wing Josh Adams having carved out an early lead through strong territory and solid defence which saw them ahead for the majority of the match.
Scotland stayed in touch through Kyle Steyn’s early second-half score, but the visitors turned the game on its head with tries from fly-half Finn Russell, wing Darcy Graham and replacement hooker George Turner, taking the lead late in the contest.
The turning point came with Darcy Graham’s try, a perfectly timed finish after some exquisite vision from Finn Russell.
Scotland showed huge character and composure to defy past trends.
Wales endured further setbacks when centre Joe Hawkins was shown a yellow card, yet they pushed Scotland to the limit making the final stages nervy for the visitors.
Gabriel Hamer-Webb made his Wales debut, while Scotland recalled Blair Kinghorn and Duhan Van der Merwe aiming for a fourth successive win over Wales for the first time in 99 years.
Scotland held on for a bonus-point victory following last weekend’s Calcutta Cup triumph leaving Wales to rue a valiant effort that fell agonisingly short. Despite the result, the hosts showed plenty of fight.
Follow all of the latest from the Six Nations clash with our live blog below:
Wales vs Scotland live
- Wales host Scotland in round three of the Six Nations | Live on the BBC
- 74' - TRY! Turner try sends Scotland into the lead! (WAL 23-26 SCO)
- 57' - TRY! Darcy Graham scores from restart with Wales holding slim lead (WAL 23-19 SCO)
- 54' TRY! - Finn Russell goes over after Scotland maintain pressure (WAL 20-12 SCO)
- 18' TRY! - Adams increases lead for hosts with try from wing (WAL 14-5 SCO)
- 14' - TRY! Right wing Kyle Steyn hits back with try for Scotland (WAL 7-5 SCO)
- 9’ - TRY! Carre crashes over the line to send Wales into lead and Costelow converts (WAL 7-0 SCO)
Sione Tuipulotu: 'We did what we needed to do to win ugly'
Saturday 21 February 2026 18:52 , Ciara Fearn“We dug deep, did what we needed to do to win ugly. Full credit to Wales, we thought Steve would’ve put us down as the one to win.
“We just kept fighting. I said to the boys at half-time they’re going to have to find a little bit within yourselves to win and they did. The pack put their hands up, kept going forwards and smashing things in front of them.
“It wasn’t as sharp a performance as last week but that’s a credit to Wales. We’ll have to fix a few things for France but Wales played really well.”
Finn Russell: "We absorbed too much in the first half'
Saturday 21 February 2026 18:49 , Ciara FearnOn his quick kick off for Graham’s try
“That was the moment, them scoring the penalty then us getting the kick straight away. Matt Fagerson said the 8 was in the middle of the pitch so look for the tempo one so I spoke to Darcy and they obviously weren’t expecting it.
“That would be a frustrating one for Steve [Tandy], he knows that’s something I look for and I’d imagine he’d have prepared them for it so for them to go to sleep a bit, it’s a bit of a coach killer.”
On Wales’s improved performance:
“It didn’t surprise me, Steve’s such a good coach. We knew they’d come out emotional and passionate at home. They got a lot of turnovers today, we weren’t good enough at the breakdown. We expected a tough, tight game.
“The first half we absorbed too much, they were making yards in defence. Gregor had a go at us at half time to hit them and stop absorbing contact then to go after the breakdown on our own ball. It’s nice to make a lot of linebreaks so to only score four tries is frustrating.”
“It’s good having 11 points on the board now, we’ve not played with that much expectation before. Wales were outstanding, we’ll take 11 points but we’ll know we could’ve done better vs Italy.”
Scotland narrowly defeat Wales in Cardiff with a late surge
Saturday 21 February 2026 18:45 , Ciara Fearn
Man of the match and Scotland flanker Rory Darge: 'That's a massive win for us'
Saturday 21 February 2026 18:42 , Ciara Fearn“That’s a massive win for us, this is a really hard place to come and get a victory. Delighted with the character to come out with the win in the end. Fair play to Wales, we knew they’d come out swinging and they did, it was a tough, tough fixture.
“When we, the pack, do our job, we know we’ve got a backline that can cause teams issues. But we’re coming up 2nd best in the collision, and I can’t stress enough how good Wales were. They’re well coached with Steve, so it was a tough game.”
Hangover from the England win?
“No [hangover from England], it’s hard top get wins on the road and that was a gritty one.
“There was a lot of emotion to stay in that, it’s hard to wrestle back 17-5 down but we did that and I’m massively proud.”
FULL-TIME! Wales 23-26 Scotland
Saturday 21 February 2026 18:29 , Ciara FearnRussell sends it just wide of the uprights, but that’s full-time.
Scotland snatch the winner in the dying moments, leaving Wales to rue another heartbreak.
Wales 23-26 Scotland, 80 minutes
Saturday 21 February 2026 18:28 , Ciara FearnAfter plenty of discussion, Tuipulotu opts for the posts.
Russell takes his time over it. It’s from distance, so he’ll need to give it plenty of power.
Wales 23-26 Scotland, 79 minutes
Saturday 21 February 2026 18:26 , Ciara FearnScotland keep it tight instead of spreading play, winding down the clock. They kick to the corner, the outcome feels inevitable now.
Wales 23-26 Scotland, 78 minutes
Saturday 21 February 2026 18:25 , Ciara FearnWales get a strong shove on, but the scrum wheels around - penalty to Scotland!
Plenty of celebration from the Scots, with whoops and cheers all round.
Elias is ruled to have stood up too early.
Wales 23-26 Scotland, 77 minutes
Saturday 21 February 2026 18:24 , Ciara FearnFagerson spills the restart with no one near him.
Wales have an attacking scrum to the right of the posts, just beyond the 22.
TRY! Wales 23-26 Scotland (Turner), 75 minutes
Saturday 21 February 2026 18:22 , Ciara FearnThis time, the driving lineout clicks. The pack stays patient, and Turner rides the back of the maul before crashing over.
Scotland have the try, the lead and the bonus point.
Russell secures the conversion.
Wales 23-19 Scotland, 74 minutes
Saturday 21 February 2026 18:21 , Ciara FearnWales survive two more advantages, hanging on 12 metres from their own line.
The team is on a final warning, and players are visibly exhausted.
A forward pass brings play back for the penalty and Russell sends it out to the corner.
Wales 23-19 Scotland, 73 minutes
Saturday 21 February 2026 18:19 , Ciara FearnRussell creates a five-metre lineout, but his forward spills the ball while driving the maul.
Wales 23-19 Scotland, 71 minutes
Saturday 21 February 2026 18:18 , Ciara FearnThe tension is through the roof.
Just as momentum seems to shift back to Wales, another twist arrives.
Rees-Zammit holds onto the ball for too long and then adds to the mistake with a knock-on on the ground.
Scotland are awarded the penalty and Russell will send it to the corner.
Wales 23-19 Scotland, 69 minutes
Saturday 21 February 2026 18:15 , Ciara FearnScotland drive forward with the maul, but Wales shut down the backs’ move effectively.
Bayliss powers past Williams into the 22, only for Carley to penalise Tuipulotu for a neck roll. Wales clear back to their own 10-metre line.
Wales 23-19 Scotland, 68 minutes
Saturday 21 February 2026 18:13 , Ciara FearnJust as Wales get ready for the shot at goal, the TMO steps in.
Tomos Williams is penalised for a crocodile roll on Darge and the original penalty is overturned.
A massive decision - one that could significantly impact the result of this game.
Penalty! Wales 23-19 Scotland, 67 minutes
Saturday 21 February 2026 18:12 , Ciara FearnScotland caught again, making it their 11th of the game.
Wales take the free kick and launch a cross-field ball towards Rees-Zammit.
He can’t finish, but the referee brings play back for the original penalty.
Penalty! Wales 23-19 Scotland, 65 minutes
Saturday 21 February 2026 18:10 , Ciara FearnScotland caught offside at the breakdown once more.
Evans sends it out to the corner as Wales set up for another attack.
Wales 23-19 Scotland, 61 minutes
Saturday 21 February 2026 18:08 , Ciara FearnWales send a box kick into Scottish territory, but Finn Russell opts to go wide, linking up with Huw Jones to exploit a huge gap.
Jones feeds Horne, but Jarrod Evans makes a vital try-saving tackle.
Scotland clear for territory, forcing Wales to exit.
TRY! Wales 23-19 Scotland (Graham), 57 minutes
Saturday 21 February 2026 18:05 , Ciara FearnWhat a response from Scotland. They scored immediately off the restart. Russell and Graham catch Wales off guard.
With the Welsh defenders turned away, the kick sails past Alex Mann and Graham collects it unchallenged, touching down for his 35th Test try.
Penalty! Wales (Evans) 23-12 Scotland, 56 minutes
Saturday 21 February 2026 18:03 , Ciara FearnEvans slots it over for three points!
Wales 20-12 Scotland, 57 minutes
Saturday 21 February 2026 18:02 , Ciara FearnThat score triggers several substitutions for both sides.
George Turner and Elliot Millar-Mills come on for Scotland’s front row.
Jarod Evans replaces Sam Costelow, who unfortunately leaves the field with an injury on his return.
Hooker Ryan Elias comes on for skipper Dewi Lake.
TRY! Wales 20-12 Scotland (Russell), 55 minutes
Saturday 21 February 2026 17:58 , Ciara FearnFinally! After 22 phases, Scotland are right on the doorstep.
Then, after 27 phases, the ball is swung wide and Finn Russell crosses the line for the score!
Wales 20-5 Scotland, 53 minutes
Saturday 21 February 2026 17:57 , Ciara FearnScotland are steadily creeping toward the Welsh try line.
They’ve cycled through 15 phases, how long can the red wall stand firm?
Mann disrupts the Scottish lineout, but the visitors retain possession and hand it to their forwards for a string of phases.
After another strong carry from Steyn, they’ve advanced to within 10 metres.
Wales 20-5 Scotland, 51 minutes
Saturday 21 February 2026 17:54 , Ciara FearnIt’s chaotic, but Wales come out on top in the scrum and cling onto possession despite the pressure. Williams then drives it forward, taking the ball out to the Welsh 40.
Scotland will need to spread it wide straight from the first phase.
Wales 20-5 Scotland, 50 minutes
Saturday 21 February 2026 17:52 , Harry Latham-CoyleSo nearly the moment that Scotland so badly need! Blair Kinghorn takes Finn Russell’s restart and away they go, sweeping out to the left. Duhan van der Merwe is freed down the touchline but just, and quite brilliantly, hauled back by debutant Gabriel Hamer-Webb, and Huw Jones can’t take his infield offload cleanly! The fumble hits the floor - a huge missed opportunity, as Van der Merwe’s disbelieving face reflects.
PENALTY! WALES 20-5 Scotland (Sam Costelow, 49 minutes)
Saturday 21 February 2026 17:51 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe lead is extended by Sam Costelow’s right boot.
Wales 17-5 Scotland, 48 minutes
Saturday 21 February 2026 17:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleWales won’t much mind a penalty in front of the sticks, either. On comes the kicking tee after Dewi Lake points at the posts.
Wales 17-5 Scotland, 46 minutes
Saturday 21 February 2026 17:49 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe smile on Gregor Townsend’s face a week ago has been replaced by a stern frown in the Principality Stadium coaches’ box. Who saw this coming after how accurate and intense they were against England?
Wales get on the rumble once more, before a high hoist is reclaimed by home hands.
Wales 17-5 Scotland, 45 minutes
Saturday 21 February 2026 17:48 , Harry Latham-CoyleTry-scorer Rhys Carre’s day is done - Nicky Smith replaces him on the loosehead.
Right, what can Scotland do with their first real attacking platform of the half? Little - a fumble, backwards, at the base from Ben White is followed by a high pass that Finn Russell can’t corral. And there’s the turnover! Sloppy stuff from the Scots.
Wales 17-5 Scotland, 43 minutes
Saturday 21 February 2026 17:46 , Harry Latham-CoyleGood contiuinty and ruck detail from Wales as the phase count goes into doubloe figures. But finally, Scotland are over it, Josh Bayliss with a strong tackle and Rory Darge in over the top. Penalty, and a deep intake of breath from the flankers.
Wales 17-5 Scotland, 42 minutes
Saturday 21 February 2026 17:44 , Harry Latham-CoyleWales work through the phases in the Scottish half, going out of the back a couple of times. Joe Hawkins strides with purpose up through the centre to regain a bit of momentum.
Wales 17-5 Scotland, 41 minutes
Saturday 21 February 2026 17:43 , Harry Latham-CoyleWales clear up towards halfway, where Dave Cherry will throw a lineout. The hooker just about hits his man at the tail, but Welsh hands pilfer the ball as it comes back down to deck.
Up to the air, Tomos Williams kicking high...and Scotland fail to claim. More of the same from the visitors.
Second half...
Saturday 21 February 2026 17:42 , Harry Latham-CoyleFinn Russell puts boot to ball and we’re back underway in Cardiff. Can Scotland turn this around?
Half-time! Wales 17-5 Scotland
Saturday 21 February 2026 17:29 , Ciara FearnA great first half for Wales!
Wales hold the scrum and opt to kick for half-time, leading by 12 points.
Wales 17-5 Scotland, 39 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 17:28 , Ciara FearnTuipuloto, Kinghorn and White seem to link up as Scotland break down the right, but a kick ahead from the scrum half lets Josh Adams snatch the ball and kill the attack.
Wales 17-5 Scotland, 37 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 17:25 , Ciara FearnGregor Townsend makes a bold early call.
Props Nathan McBeth and Max Williamson are off, replaced by Pierre Schoeman and Josh Bayliss.
McBeth was overpowered and Williamson lost teh ball leading up to Wales’ second try.
Wales 17-5 Scotland, 35 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 17:23 , Ciara FearnRussell breaks outside but loses teh ball on the recycle.
Williams clears and Wales’ counter ruck forces another Scottish kick.
Rees-Zammit could have countered but clears long, giving Wales lineout ball in opposition territory.
Penalty! Wales (Costelow) 17-5 Scotland, 31 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 17:20 , Ciara FearnScotland kick deep, but Wales stay disciplined and Williams drives the ball into the Scottish half.
Penalty to Wales after some deliberation they opt for the posts. Costelow slots it over.
Wales 14-5 Scotland, 30 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 17:18 , Ciara FearnWales are back in the 22, though the ball is slow, until Wainwright drives over the gainline.
Scotland hold firm, but Eddie James powers over to earn a penalty advantage.
Lake spills, bringing play back to the penalty. Scotland are on a yellow card warning, while Wales maintain strong momentum in attack.
Wales 14-5 Scotland, 26 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 17:15 , Ciara FearnScotland were grinding forward, but Russell tries to go wide.
Wales stay disciplined, forcing a knock-on in the next phase.
Costelow clears and on Kinghorn’s return, James Botham earns a jackal penalty.
Wales 14-5 Scotland, 21 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 17:11 , Ciara FearnWales earn a scrum in midfield and are firmly in control, but a forward pass wastes the opportunity, giving Scotland the feed in almost the same spot.
TRY! Wales (Adams) 14-5 Scotland, 18 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 17:06 , Ciara FearnThe wing Josh Adams has been electric from the start and scores his second try of this year’s championship in the left corner.
Costelow’s great kick pushed Wales upfield.
Eddie James powered forward then Rhys Carre’s offload to Alex Mann opened space for Adams out wide.
Wales 7-5 Scotland, 16 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 17:04 , Ciara FearnJoe Hawkins is back on the pitch and Wales are back to full strength.
TRY! Wales 7-5 Scotland (Steyn), 15 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 17:03 , Ciara FearnScotland respond down the right. From a set-piece, they exploit the overlap with the extra man.
Kinghorn has time to find Steyn, who finishes easily in the corner. Russell misses the conversion.
Wales 7-0 Scotland, 14 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 17:01 , Ciara FearnScotland have worked their way through over ten phases and starting near halfway are now within five metres.
Wales stay disciplined and Alex Mann forces a turnover.
There was minimal danger for Hawkins yellow.
Wales 7-0 Scotland, 12 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 16:58 , Ciara FearnDebut player Gabriel Hamer-Webb is back on after his nosebleed.
But Taine Plumtree is off. He took a bang to his right shoulder in the opening exchanges and James Botham is on.
TRY! Wales (Carre) 7-0 Scotland, 9 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 16:57 , Ciara FearnWales get the first points on the board. The prop crashes over for the second week running.
Dewi Lake leads the charge before a quick short pass finds the prop, who powers through from a few yards out.
Wales 0-0 Scotland, 7 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 16:54 , Ciara FearnKyle Steyn looked set to score but was brought down just short by Taine Plumtree.
The Wales flanker did well to chase down the Scotland wing after Finn Russell’s slick inside pass.
Josh Adams then intercepts the next pass, letting Wales breathe.
Yellow-card! Wales 0-0 Scotland, 6 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 16:52 , Ciara FearnHawkins heads to the bunker with a decision expected soon.
There was no attempt to go low and Brown took the impact. With the man advantage, Scotland heads toward the corner.
Wales 0-0 Scotland, 5 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 16:50 , Ciara FearnDuhan Van der Merwe gets his first touch but is tightly marked by Louis Rees-Zammit and Josh Adams.
Wales concede a penalty, allowing Scotland to clear, but Huw Jones is stopped just short in the corner.
Earlier, Joe Hawkins might be in trouble for a previous challenge.
Wales 0-0 Scotland, 4 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 16:47 , Ciara FearnAfter just 2 minutes into his international debut, Gabriel Hamer-Webb is forced off with a nosebleed.
Blair Murray comes on as the blood replacement.
Wales 0-0 Scotland, 2 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 16:45 , Ciara FearnMatthew Carley blows the whistle to start his 50th test.
Matt Ferguson claims the ball and Ben White clears it out of the box.
Kick-off! Wales 0-0 Scotland
Saturday 21 February 2026 16:42 , Ciara FearnSam Costelow gets the game underway at the Principality Stadium.
Time for the anthems
Saturday 21 February 2026 16:41 , Ciara FearnThe Principality Stadium is lit with red lasers under the roof.
As they belt out their anthems.
Wales head coach, Steve Tandy speaking to BBC Sport:
Saturday 21 February 2026 16:37 , Ciara FearnOn his history with Scotland: “It’s a bit different being in the other box, but this is an amazing fixture, brings the best out of the crowd. It’s the best of the Six Nations, so I’m very excited.”
On Finn Russell: “He’s an unbelievable player, we know he’s going to have moments, but we’re still developing what we want to be, around a defensive system. If we get it right we can cause problems on transition. Finn is Finn, there’s going to be the unexpected as well so it’s being prepared for that.”
On his change in the back row: “Taine has made real impact off bench. The game last week was really fast paced, we know Scotland don’t kick the ball as much as other nations, so we want to match that up a bit but also play how we want with some extra mobility.”
Scotland head coach, Gregory Townsend speaking to BBC Sport:
Saturday 21 February 2026 16:35 , Ciara Fearn“We’ve got to create our own energy today, we know this is one of the toughest environments to play in, the noise the crowd make and it’s a team that’s desperate to win.
“We have to show equal desire [to last week], and build on a good performance. It’s a new challenge and a challenge for our players to back that performance up.
“I’m worried about what they can bring, they’ve an excellent team, individually are very good. They’re building a game, and have excellent coaches. We expect a top quality game today.”
On Blair Kinghorn and Duhan van der Merwe
“Yeah they’ve been chomping at the bit all week, Blair went very well vs Toulouse last week and Duhan has trained excellently.
“They have to work hard; both wingers and Tom Jordan have set really good levels with their commitment for high balls and work off it [so far].”
Lineout could be key
Saturday 21 February 2026 16:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleThis is a meeting of the two worst lineouts in the competition so far. The sample size is small, and Scotland had exceptional circumstances in a rainy Rome, but the onus will be on both hookers to hit their jumpers today. There are plenty to target, too - Gregor Brown is a long-limbed option on the blindside for Scotland while Taine Plumtree has all sorts of spring in the No 6 shirt for Wales.
Wales wary of Scotland's centre threat
Saturday 21 February 2026 16:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleJoe Hawkins says Wales must beware Scotland's midfield threat of Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones in today’s Six Nations clash.
Hawkins and fellow Scarlets centre Eddie James line up against the British and Irish Lions pair as Wales attempt to end a sorry run of 13 successive Six Nations defeats.
Captain Tuipulotu and Jones, who scored two tries in the 31-20 Calcutta Cup victory over England last weekend, form arguably the best centre partnership in the Championship and have fellow Lion Finn Russell inside them at fly-half pulling Scottish strings.
Hawkins said: "Tuipulotu's obviously a powerful ball carrier, but he's got nice subtle skills as well. Jones has got a bit of gas and some nice running lines, so they complement each other well.
"They're quite a settled centre partnership, so whoever gets the chance (to play for Wales) this is a good test. Russell has a good passing game and good kicking game, what he's done at Bath and with Scotland speaks for itself. He seems to just play what he sees really, which is to play off instinct, and that is good for any player."
A debut for Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Saturday 21 February 2026 16:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleGabe Hamer-Webb has an interesting story, having shown real promise as a teenage footballer before a somewhat nomadic journey through rugby as a young player. There have been stints with Southland in New Zealand, Northampton and Hartpury University having come through at Bath, but Hamer-Webb really found form towards the end of his time with Cardiff last year.
This first cap comes after an impressive start with Leicester, earning him a longer-term deal despite limited opportunities during the first few months of the season. Duhan van der Merwe will challenge him today, I’m sure, but Hamer-Webb will hope to stake a claim.
Gregor Townsend expects big performances from recalled pair
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleGregor Townsend expects Blair Kinghorn and Duhan van der Merwe to be fuelled by "huge determination" against Wales after they were restored to Scotland's starting XV for the Six Nations clash in Cardiff.
The British and Irish Lions duo were high-profile omissions from the 23 for the first two championship matches against Italy and England amid question marks about their form.
Toulouse back Kinghorn will start at full-back in place of Tom Jordan, who drops to the bench, while Van der Merwe, Scotland's record try-scorer, returns at wing to take over from Jamie Dobie, who is out due to injury.
"Blair was back playing on Sunday night for Toulouse so it's good to get an outlet when you've not been selected," said head coach Townsend after naming his squad to face Wales.
"He played really well in that game and he's recovered quickly after that evening game. Duhan's trained really well and very much been part of our squad, so there'll be a freshness around both of them coming back in and huge determination to play well.
"Like any player, you want to be part of the squad and for those players that have been in our squad for a few years, it'll be tough for them to take.
"But they've backed the team and they understand the reasons why we had different selections going into our opening two games. And now they have an opportunity to represent their country again."
Team news - Scotland
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleScotland recall Duhan van der Merwe and Blair Kinghorn to the starting back three after the pair were omitted entirely for the first two rounds. With Jack Dempsey and Jamie Ritchie out due to injury, Gregor Brown slides back to the blindside and No 8 Matt Fagerson is promoted from the bench.
Dave Cherry is given the starting shirt at hooker, while there are five forwards on the bench with Tom Jordan providing fly half cover.
Scotland XV: 1 Nathan McBeth, 2 Dave Cherry, 3 Zander Fagerson; 4 Max Williamson, 5 Scott Cummings; 6 Gregor Brown, 7 Rory Darge, 8 Matt Fagerson; 9 Ben White, 10 Finn Russell; 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 12 Sione Tuipulotu (capt.), 13 Huw Jones, 14 Kyle Steyn; 15 Blair Kinghorn.
Replacements: 16 George Turner, 17 Pierre Schoeman, 18 Elliot Millar Mills, 19 Grant Gilchrist, 20 Josh Bayliss; 21 George Horne, 22 Tom Jordan, 23 Darcy Graham.
Your Scotland team heading to Cardiff 🏴🏴#AsOne pic.twitter.com/4nJ4udzQHU
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) February 19, 2026
Team news - Wales
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleGabriel Hamer-Webb will make his Wales debut on the wing having been preferred to Ellis Mee. Steve Tandy also makes a change at fly half, with Sam Costelow given a chance in an all-Scarlets midfield, while Ben Carter and Taine Plumtree are brought in to the back five of the pack.
On the bench, Freddie Thomas, James Botham and Blair Murray are primed for their first outings of the campaign.
Wales XV:1 Rhys Carre, 2 Dewi Lake (capt.), 3 Tomas Francis; 4 Dafydd Jenkins, 5 Ben Carter; 6 Taine Plumtree, 7 Alex Mann, 8 Aaron Wainwright; 9 Tomos Williams, 10 Sam Costelow; 11 Josh Adams, 12 Joe Hawkins, 13 Eddie James, 14 Gabriel Hamer-Webb; 15 Louis Rees-Zammit.
Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Archie Griffin, 19 Freddie Thomas, 20 James Botham; 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Jarrod Evans, 23 Blair Murray.
Wales vs Scotland match officials
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleWe’ll take a closer look at the two teams in a moment, but let’s first make mension of Matthew Carley, who wins cap No 50 as a Test referee this afternoon. One of Kent’s finest, and plenty of close colleagues for company in the wider officiating team.
Referee: Matthew Carley (Eng)
Assistant Referees: Karl Dickson (Eng) & Adam Leal (Eng)
Television Match Official: Ian Tempest (Eng)
Foul Play Review Officer: Eric Gauzins (Fra)
A fuller stadium expected
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt really was depressing to see so many empty seats at the Principality Stadium last Sunday. The good news is that ticket sales have been stronger for this game, but it still might not be a capacity crowd and there are concerns over the Italy fixture at the end of the tournament. Perhaps Wales can give their home support something to cheer.
Dewi Lake urges Wales fans to bring the noise
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleDewi Lake wants Wales to hear the "heartbeat of the nation" at Principality Stadium again for Scotland's Guinness Six Nations visit.
Wales' rugby decline was reflected by last weekend's smallest crowd for a Six Nations match in Cardiff when vast swathes of seats were left empty in the 74,500-capacity stadium.
The Principality Stadium traditionally sells out for Wales' Six Nations games, but the 57,744 Sunday attendance included an estimated 15,000 France fans.
Scotland's visit on a more fan-friendly Saturday evening slot is set to attract a bigger crowd, possibly even nudging towards 70,000, and captain Lake welcomes the greater number of home fans set to back Wales in the third round of the Championship.
"You speak about people being a 16th man, especially in this stadium with the roof closed," said hooker Lake.
"When (it's rocking) it erupts. Unbelievable. I think it is the heartbeat of the nation when it's like that. It's our job to get people rocking, to get people enjoying the game and putting smiles on faces.
"I suppose all we ask for in return is the support and noise, and people feeding us that energy. We do feed off the crowd, their noise and reactions, and we want to get the fans excited and in the game."
A Spanish mini-break
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleScotland have spent this week, slightly strangely, in Spain, a little half-term getaway to rest and recharge ahead of a third successive Test. It seems like Gregor Townsend’s squad enjoyed a chance to escape the miserable British winter, though it is a little warmer in Cardiff today, and the roof will be closed to keep out the rain that has tumbled incessantly so far in 2026.
Six Nations 2026 schedule in full: Fixtures and results
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleNeed a reminder of all of the Six Nations results so far and what is still to come in this slightly condensed championship? We’ve got you covered:
Steve Tandy and Gregor Townsend reunite
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleWales head coach Steve Tandy admits contact with his former Scotland boss Gregor Townsend will slow down ahead of their Six Nations clash in Cardiff.
Tandy spent six years as Scotland defence coach under Townsend before taking over as Wales boss last summer.
The 46-year-old Welshman puts his growth as a coach down to Townsend taking him "out of my comfort zone", but says their regular interaction will be kept to a minimum before Six Nations battle.
"It'll definitely be different," Tandy said as beleaguered Wales target a first Championship win for three years.
"We've been sharing a few texts over the last few weeks but that will quieten down in the coming days.
"He was brilliant for me, taught me lots about international rugby, encouraged me to be better as well and helped my growth and development.
"He pushed me to be out of my comfort zone and I feel your best growth comes when you get uncomfortable.
"I'm really grateful for that time in Scotland - the people, the fans, everything was outstanding - but it's the same here and it's my home nation. So it has the potential to be even better."
Scotland’s Calcutta Cup glory can ignite Six Nations challenge – Sione Tuipulotu
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleSione Tuipulotu was hopeful last weekend that Scotland can kick on and challenge for the title after their latest success over England.
Scotland’s Calcutta Cup glory can ignite Six Nations challenge – Sione Tuipulotu
The concerning Six Nations trend that Scotland must address against Wales
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleBack to this evening’s proceedings, then, and this really does feel a big day for Scotland. Historically, they’ve struggled to back up wins over England - can they do so today?
The concerning Six Nations trend that Scotland must address against Wales
England vs Ireland live
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleWe’ll continue our build-up to affairs in Cardiff in a moment, but the action is just getting underway at Twickenham in a virtual knock-out clash between England Ireland. You can follow that live here:
England vs Ireland live: Latest score and updates from Six Nations clash
Scotland dealt triple injury blow ahead of Wales clash
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleThose Scottish changes came after three key figures were ruled out of today’s games after suffering injuries in the Calcutta Cup win over England.
Duhan van der Merwe and Blair Kinghorn earn Scotland recall among five changes for Wales clash
Saturday 21 February 2026 13:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere a couple of big names, and big men, back in the Scottish back three with Duhan van der Merwe and Blair Kinghorn recalled:
Van der Merwe and Kinghorn earn Scotland recall among five changes for Wales clash
Sam Costelow gets fly half chance as Wales include debutant for Scotland clash
Saturday 21 February 2026 13:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleWing Gabriel Hamer-Webb will make his Wales debut with Sam Costelow given a chance to stake his claim at fly half in the Six Nations clash with Scotland in Cardiff.
Hamer-Webb, who has been in good recent form for Leicester, replaces Ellis Mee in the back three as Costelow is given the nod ahead of Dan Edwards at No 10 in an all-Scarlets midfield.
Up front, Ben Carter partners Dafydd Jenkins while Taine Plumtree provides extra size and mobility on the blindside.
Sam Costelow gets fly half chance as Wales include debutant for Scotland clash
Wales vs Scotland live
Thursday 19 February 2026 10:51 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe long wait for a Wales win in the Six Nations continues as Steve Tandy’s struggling side welcome Scotland to Cardiff. Another heavy defeat to France and empty seats at the Principality Stadium underlined their plight and they face a visiting side today in a buoyant mood after their Calcutta Cup success at Murrayfield.
Scottish teams of the past, though, have often failed to back up big wins over England - and they have a wretched recent record in Cardiff, too. Kick off is at 4.40pm GMT.
