Women’s Six Nations: Wales 18-20 Scotland – visitors survive late comeback

Wales (6) 18
Try: Tuipulotu, Callender Con: Bevan Pen: Bevan
Scotland (10) 20
Tries: Grant, Lloyd Cons: Nelson 2 Pen: Nelson

Scotland survived a late Wales comeback to safe a primary Women’s Six Nations victory on Welsh soil in 20 years.

Scotland led due to tries from Coreen Grant and Rhona Lloyd, whereas Sisilia Tuipulotu crossed to get Wales again within the sport.

But there was to be no late heartbreak for Scotland this yr as they prolong their profitable streak to seven matches.

Wales at the moment are winless in 4 with a frightening away journey to England to return in spherical two.

Playing towards the Arms Park components, the sport began properly for Wales who took factors on their first go to to Scotland’s 22.

A strong scrum gave an attacking platform with the returning Natalia John carrying properly to earn her aspect a penalty.

Scrum-half Keira Bevan, on kicking responsibility, slotted over right into a stiff Cardiff breeze.

That ought to have settled early nerves however Wales’ defence had been caught napping as Scotland launched their first significant assault.

They went by means of two phases off line-out ball with Lloyd releasing Grant on her wing, who outpaced the overlaying defence to attain the opening strive.

Helen Nelson added the touchline conversion.

Scotland then spent a interval camped on Wales’ strive line and after some resolute defence, they settled for 3 factors from the tee.

Waves of blue assault saved coming and Grant seemed sure to be in for her second when she discovered herself up towards forwards within the vast channel.

She stepped debutant full-again Jenny Hesketh with ease however Jaz Joyce saved Wales from a sure strive with an excellent cowl sort out.

Momentum then shifted to Wales within the ultimate 10 minutes of the half.

A Bethan Lewis turnover gave Wales an opportunity of a 5 metre attacking line-out, their major weapon final yr, however the drive was introduced down illegally.

Lewis picked up off the bottom of the scrum however she was held up a few metres brief.

Wales continued to ask questions, however their lateral assault was simply defended. They opted for one more Bevan penalty to chop deficit by 4 factors moving into on the break.

Wales made an early change for the second half, with Georgia Evans on for John within the second row.

They had hoped to have the wind on their backs however the components had died down in Scotland’s favour.

Wales utilized all of the early stress and received a penalty which might have given them an attacking lineout deep into Scotland’s 22, however George missed contact.

Scotland in distinction had been medical when their alternative arose from line-out ball, and it was a carbon copy of the primary strive.

Wales’ defence had been once more unorganised which allowed Lloyd to fly down her wing and beat final defender Nel Metcalfe, who was later changed by Carys Cox as Wales seemed for some inspiration.

That usually got here by means of the Welsh forwards and it was the star props Gwenllian Pyrs and Tuipulotu who carried properly, earlier than Tuipulotu finally powered over to present the house crowd one thing to cheer.

Scotland had been then dealt a blow when Lana Skeldon limped off injured after a prolonged delay nevertheless it did little to dampen their spirit they usually continued to ask questions of the Welsh defence.

There was to be no means by means of, as Scotland misplaced one other key participant in Sarah Bonar, however the clock ticked down with Wales unable to exit their 22.

Scotland took three factors when Wales’ scrum creaked to increase their lead with simply over 5 minutes remaining.

That noticed the introduction of debutant Sian Jones at scrum-half.

Rallied by a roaring 6,000 crowd, Wales threw every little thing at Scotland within the dying minutes, with the forwards going by means of part after part.

Callender went over, and after a dramatic tv match official test for a double motion, the strive was finally awarded.

With Bevan off the sector, George stepped as much as take the conversion, however she was agonisingly vast together with her effort.

Wales captain Hannah Jones mentioned: “Scotland positively introduced it to us, they confirmed nice character, however we left an excessive amount of to do in direction of the top.

“It’ll be fascinating to see how typically we went into the opposition 22 and did not come away with factors.

“The character and work fee for the group was excellent however we have to be extra up for it in every little thing we do and are available away from factors ultimately.

“We’ve bought to park this loss and stick with it.”

Scotland fly-half Helen Nelson mentioned: “We knew it will be a good sport however you all the time hope it will not be that shut and are available right down to the ultimate play.

“We talked about it quite a bit at half time, holding composure, cool heads and sticking to our technique.

“We had been actually pleased with our first 20 minutes however we all know we took our foot off it.

“Really pleased with the women, we bought on the entrance foot that second half and took our probabilities.”

Line-ups

Wales: Jenny Hesketh; Jasmine Joyce, Hannah Jones, Kerin Lake, Nel Metcalfe; Lleucu George, Keira Bevan; Gwenllian Pyrs, Kelsey Jones, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Natalia John, Abbie Fleming, Alisha Butchers, Alex Callender, Bethan Lewis.

Replacements: Carys Phillips, Abbey Constable, Donna Rose, Georgia Evans, Kate Williams, Sian Jones, Niamh Terry, Carys Cox.

Scotland: Meryl Smith; Rhona Lloyd, Emma Orr, Lisa Thomson, Coreen Grant; Helen Nelson, Caity Mattinson; Leah Bartlett, Lana Skeldon, Christine Belisle, Emma Wassell, Sarah Bonar, Rachel Malcolm, Alex Stewart, Evie Gallagher.

Replacements: Elis Martin, Molly Wright, Elliann Clarke, Louise McMillan, Eva Donaldson, Mairi McDonald, Shona Campbell, Chloe Rollie.

Match officers

Referee: Clara Munarini (FIR)

Touch judges: Sara Cox (RFU), Holly Wood (RFU)

TMO: Leo Colgan (IRFU)