Cardiff wakes up to bright sunshine and nervous energy. Scotland arrive in the Welsh capital on the back of a Calcutta Cup thriller, but the scars from an opening-day flop in Rome still sting. Former Scotland No 8 Johnnie Beattie has seen it all before and he is not holding back: the inconsistency is driving everyone mad.
The Jeckyll and Hyde problem refuses to go away.
One week Scotland rip England apart at Murrayfield, the next they roll over in Italy. Beattie, who earned 38 caps between 2006 and 2015, told reporters this week: “We are capable of being wonderful and dreadful in the space of seven days. That’s what bugs the fans, the players, Gregor Townsend, everyone.”
After the Italy defeat many wrote Scotland off. Then they produced one of the great Calcutta Cup performances to keep the oldest trophy in rugby north of the border. Now they head to a stadium where they have not won a Six Nations match since 2002.
Wales Desperate to End Home Drought
Wales have not won a Six Nations game at the Principality Stadium since they beat Scotland here in February 2022, four years ago. Since then: nothing but disappointment in front of their own fans.
Steve Tandy’s side have already shipped 102 points in two heavy defeats this championship, 48-7 against England and 54-12 against France. In his first six Tests as head coach they have conceded 302 points in total, more than 50 per game on average. Forty-two tries have gone past them.
Beattie knows exactly how that feels. “Some of the Scotland teams I played in were the same,” he said. “Young players cutting their teeth at Test level. It hurts, but it’s part of the rebuild.”
Yet he still expects Scotland to win comfortably. “There’s too big a gulf in quality and international experience right now. France and England trounced Wales. Scotland should do the same.”
Old Friends Become Rivals
The touchline battle adds extra spice. Steve Tandy spent six years as Scotland’s defence coach until July 2025 and helped build the system he now has to break. Gregor Townsend calls him a close friend and “a big influence on our players.” After the game they plan to share a beer.
But for 80 minutes on Saturday there will be no favours.
Beattie smiled when asked who knows Townsend’s attacking playbook better than anyone in world rugby. “If there is one man who knows exactly how to stop Gregor, it’s Steve Tandy.”
Townsend brushed it off with a grin: “Coaches don’t play against each other. The players do.”
Key Numbers Heading into Cardiff
| Team | Played | Points Conceded This Championship | Tries Conceded | Last Home Six Nations Win |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wales | 2 | 102 | 15 | Feb 2022 vs Scotland |
| Scotland | 2 | Mixed (heavy loss + big win) | – | 2002 in Cardiff |
Wales have won just two of their last 25 Test matches. They have no dedicated defence coach until the summer. Small wonder supporters are fearful.
Yet Beattie sees green shoots. “They will be hunting small wins inside the game, a strong scrum here, a lineout steal there. Build from those moments. There’s quality in that Welsh group. Scotland will be desperate this isn’t the weekend it finally clicks for them.”
One Win From France or Ireland Would Still Be Progress
Even with the inconsistency, Scotland remain in the hunt. Beat Wales and they travel to Paris and Dublin needing only one more victory for a possible Triple Crown.
They have not beaten Ireland since 2017 and have not won in Dublin since 2010, the year Beattie himself played there. But dreams are still alive.
Gregor Townsend named an unchanged starting XV on Thursday, the first time he has ever done that in back-to-back Six Nations rounds. The message is clear: trust the group that hammered England.
Kick-off is 4.45pm on Saturday. A nation dares to believe the good Scotland will turn up. Johnnie Beattie and every Scottish fan just want the same team two weeks in a row.
Who shows up in Cardiff? The answer will tell us everything about where this Scotland side are really heading.
What do you think: can Scotland finally deliver back-to-back wins, or will Wales produce the mother of all fightbacks? Drop your thoughts below and join the conversation with #SixNations.
