Scotland staged a stirring late comeback in Cardiff to win 26-23, with George Turner, Kyle Steyn, Finn Russell and Darcy Graham all contributing to the decisive moments
Wales 23–26 Scotland Principality Stadium, Cardiff — 21 February
Scotland overturned a 12-point half-time deficit to snatch a 26-23 victory in Cardiff, retaining the Doddie Weir Cup for the fourth year running. Wales dominated the early exchanges and led at the break, but Scotland’s forwards grabbed control after the restart, building pressure that the backs finished off.
Finn Russell’s reliable kicking and a textbook lineout maul finished by George Turner proved decisive in a tense finale.
First half: Wales in control Wales started the brighter side. They controlled territory and possession for long spells, grinding Scotland’s defence with forward carries and accurate kicking.
That dominance yielded a 12-point cushion at half-time as Wales kept the scoreboard ticking while limiting Scotland to occasional counterattacks — one of which produced a Kyle Steyn score, but
Second half: Scotland flips the script Scotland returned with a clearer plan: more direct carries, quicker ruck ball and an up-tempo kicking game from Finn Russell that forced Wales backwards.
Darcy Graham’s clever read of a high kick produced a touchdown in the corner and shifted momentum; from that moment the visitors increasingly camped inside the Welsh 22. Set-piece success followed, and sustained forward pressure culminated in a textbook lineout maul finished by George Turner that put Scotland ahead late on. Russell’s three conversions were the steadying hand that kept the visitors just ahead.
Turning points – Darcy Graham’s high-ball try shortly after the restart narrowed the gap and gave Scotland belief. – Repeated, successful lineouts and the subsequent maul sequences removed options from Wales and turned territorial advantage into points. – Russell’s composure with the boot — both tactical kicks that pinned Wales deep and three pressure conversions — stretched Scotland’s lead when it mattered most.
Set-piece and maul The forwards made the difference. Scotland’s lineout accuracy improved after the break, and the visiting pack committed to close-quarter work rather than kick for territory from every penalty. Those decisions paid off: sustained mauls repeatedly brought Scotland to the 5m zone and ultimately delivered the winning try. Wales had produced plenty of phases early on, but in the closing stages they couldn’t disrupt Scotland’s rolling forward platform.
Discipline and officiating The match featured a number of stoppages, TMO checks and a sin‑bin spell that briefly altered the balance of play. Penalties conceded in dangerous areas and turnovers at crucial moments swung momentum. In the final minutes, Scotland opted to drive from close range rather than take a penalty shot at the posts — a bold choice that ultimately delivered the bigger reward.
Key performers – Finn Russell: instrumental with his tactical kicking and three calm conversions; his decisions repeatedly pushed Wales back and turned pressure into points. – George Turner: the maul finish that put Scotland ahead was the match’s defining moment. – Darcy Graham and Kyle Steyn: both offered timely finishing and quality territory gains when Scotland needed them.
What it means The win gives Scotland a useful boost of momentum ahead of a tough home clash with France at Murrayfield on Saturday 7 March. For Wales, the game will raise questions about turning territorial control into scoreboard returns and about breakdown discipline late in games. Both teams will take lessons on set-piece reliability, bench impact and finishing under pressure into their preparations.
Stats snapshot – Final score: Scotland 26, Wales 23 – Scotland retained the Doddie Weir Cup (fourth straight year) – Wales led by 12 at half-time; Scotland outscored them in the second half – Russell: 3 conversions – Decisive elements: lineout/maul efficiency, ruck speed, kicking accuracy
A tight, tense contest that swung with momentum rather than dominance — and in the end Scotland’s forward grit and Russell’s cool head made the difference.
