A tense battle at Hive Stadium saw Scotland edge out Wales 24-21 in a thrilling opener to the 2025 Guinness Women’s Six Nations. With standout performances, strategic plays, and a nail-biting finish, the match delivered drama from start to finish.
Wales Strikes Early, Scotland Responds
Wales wasted no time making an impact. Just five minutes in, hooker Carys Phillips bulldozed her way through the Scottish defense for the opening try. Scrum-half Keira Bevan converted with ease, giving the visitors a 7-0 lead.
Scotland, however, quickly found their footing. After a scrappy opening phase, they took advantage of a Welsh penalty in the 16th minute. Helen Nelson stepped up and slotted the ball cleanly through the posts, reducing the deficit to 3-7.
Momentum shifted when Scotland’s captain Rachel Malcolm seemingly crossed the try line off a line-out maul. The crowd erupted—only for the try to be disallowed due to obstruction. But just before the break, the breakthrough came. Sarah Bonar muscled her way over the line, and Nelson’s conversion put Scotland ahead 10-7.
Second-Half Chaos: Tries, Cards, and Controversy
Scotland started the second half with renewed aggression. Their persistence paid off when Emma Orr pounced on a loose ball after a defensive mix-up, racing in for a try. Another flawless conversion from Nelson pushed Scotland ahead 17-7.
Then, the match took a chaotic turn. Wales’ Georgia Evans, already shown a yellow card in the first half, received a second for a high tackle—upgraded to a 20-minute red card. Just as Wales seemed in trouble, Scotland’s Evie Gallagher was also sent off after a dangerous clear-out, leveling the playing field.
Wales capitalized on the numerical balance. From a well-executed line-out maul, Abbie Fleming powered over the line, and Bevan’s conversion cut the lead to 17-14. Suddenly, it was anyone’s game.
Scotland Holds Firm As Wales Closes In
Scotland needed a response, and they got it. Leah Bartlett stormed through after slick handling from Emma Orr, re-establishing a commanding lead at 24-14 following Nelson’s reliable conversion.
But Wales wasn’t finished. With minutes remaining, replacement Gwenllian Pyrs forced her way over the line, and Bevan once again converted, bringing the score to a nerve-wracking 24-21.
The final moments were all about game management. Scotland, with a mix of experience and composure, shut down Wales’ last-ditch efforts. Their defensive line held firm, preventing any late heartbreak and securing a hard-fought victory.
Key Performances and Reactions
Helen Nelson was named Guinness Player of the Match, her precise kicking proving instrumental in the outcome. She contributed three conversions and a crucial penalty, ensuring Scotland maintained control.
Scotland’s captain Rachel Malcolm acknowledged the toughness of the contest, saying, “I am thrilled to be on the winning side. The energy and fight that Wales brought made it extremely difficult for us. They never backed down at any point.”
Meanwhile, Wales head coach Sean Lynn praised his team despite the loss. “I asked the players to bring energy and passion, and I couldn’t fault them today. There are things we need to work on, but there are a lot of positives.”
What This Means for Scotland and Wales
This win marks a strong start for Scotland, who now look ahead to a tough challenge against France in their next fixture. France, coming off a convincing victory over Ireland, will test Scotland’s ability to maintain their momentum.
For Wales, the narrow defeat offers both disappointment and hope. They showed resilience and attacking prowess, traits they will need as they prepare to take on England.
This Six Nations opener was a battle of grit and determination. If the rest of the tournament follows suit, fans are in for a treat.
