Wales vs Scotland live: Struggling hosts eye long-awaited Six Nations success in Cardiff
Can Scotland build on their Calcutta Cup triumph?
A struggling Wales welcome a Scotland side with a point to prove to Cardiff as round three of the Six Nations rolls on.
The wait for a Welsh win in this competition goes on after heavy defeats to England and France opened what could be a tough campaign for Steve Tandy’s side. There were plenty of empty seats at the Principality Stadium a week ago and though there were some signs of improvement against Les Bleus, another one-sided scoreline showed again where Wales are at.
Is there any hope of a first success since 2023 today? Well, Scotland have a wretched record here since the turn of the century, and have historically struggled to back up big wins over England. The nature of their claiming of the Calcutta Cup has fuelled belief, though, that Scotland may challenge for a rare Triple Crown - and maybe, just maybe, more...
Follow all of the latest from the Six Nations clash with our live blog below:
Team news - Wales
Gabriel 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
We’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
It 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
Dewi 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
Scotland 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
Need 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:
Six Nations 2026 schedule in full: Fixtures and results
Steve Tandy and Gregor Townsend reunite
Wales 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
Sione 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
Back 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
We’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
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments
Bookmark popover
Removed from bookmarks