Scotland roll into Cardiff riding the high of reclaiming the Calcutta Cup, while Wales remain rooted to zero points after brutal losses to France and England. Saturday’s clash at Principality Stadium could define both teams’ 2026 Six Nations campaigns.
A roaring Cardiff crowd will demand a response from Warren Gatland’s battered side, but Gregor Townsend’s confident Scots smell blood. One team wants to build momentum. The other simply needs to stop the bleeding.
Current Form: Two Teams Heading in Opposite Directions
Scotland stunned England 30-21 at Murrayfield two weeks ago, with Finn Russell pulling the strings and Duhan van der Merwe scoring twice. That victory ended England’s Grand Slam hopes and handed Scotland the Calcutta Cup for the first time since 2022.
They now sit second in the table with nine points from three rounds (two wins, one losing bonus). Only Ireland, with a game in hand, stand above them.
Wales, meanwhile, have shipped 87 points in defeats to France (52-19) and England (35-14). Gatland’s men fought hard in patches but were outmuscled and outthought in both games. They are the only team yet to register a point in 2026.
Team News and Expected Lineups
Neither side has named their starting XV yet (usually announced 48 hours before kick-off), but injuries and form give strong clues.
Wales will be without co-captain Jac Morgan (knee) and possibly Dewi Lake (shoulder). Dafydd Jenkins is expected to lead the side again. Aaron Wainwright returns from concussion protocol and should start at No.8.
Expected Wales XV:
15. Cameron Winnett
14. Josh Adams
13. Owen Watkin
12. Nick Tompkins
11. Rio Dyer
10. Sam Costelow
9. Tomos Williams
- Gareth Thomas
- Ryan Elias
- Keiron Assiratti
- Dafydd Jenkins (c)
- Adam Beard
- Taine Basham
- Tommy Reffell
- Aaron Wainwright
Scotland welcome back prop Zander Fagerson from suspension. Hamish Watson is pushing for a start after impressive cameos. Sione Tuipulotu is fit again and should partner Huw Jones in midfield.
Expected Scotland XV:
15. Blair Kinghorn
14. Darcy Graham
13. Huw Jones
12. Sione Tuipulotu
11. Duhan van der Merwe
10. Finn Russell (co-c)
9. Ben White
- Pierre Schoeman
- Dave Cherry
- Zander Fagerson
- Scott Cummings
- Grant Gilchrist
- Jamie Ritchie (co-c)
- Rory Darge
- Matt Fagerson
How to Watch Wales vs Scotland
Date: Saturday 21 February 2026
Kick-off: 4:40pm GMT
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff (74,500 capacity – sold out)
UK TV: BBC One (coverage starts 4:00pm) and S4C (Welsh language)
Live stream: BBC iPlayer, S4C Clic
Radio: BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Scotland
Overseas viewers:
- Ireland: Virgin Media
- France: France Télévisions
- Italy: Sky Italia
- USA: Peacock, CNBC
- Australia: Stan Sport
The Rivalry: Scotland Dominating Recent Years
Scotland have won four of the last six meetings, including that dramatic 27-26 thriller in Cardiff in 2024 when Finn Russell kicked a last-gasp conversion.
Recent results:
2025: Scotland 31-24 Wales (Murrayfield)
2024: Scotland 27-26 Wales (Cardiff)
2023: Scotland 35-7 Wales (Murrayfield)
2022: Wales 20-17 Scotland (Cardiff)
2021: Scotland 25-24 Wales (Murrayfield)
The Scots have scored 20+ points in each of their last seven visits to Cardiff – a remarkable statistic that will worry Welsh fans.
Key Battles That Will Decide the Game
Finn Russell vs Sam Costelow
The master against the apprentice. If Wales let Russell play in space, the game could be over by half-time.
Duhan van der Merwe vs Josh Adams
Two of the most dangerous wings in world rugby. Van der Merwe has scored eight tries in his last nine Six Nations appearances.
Breakdown war
Tommy Reffell vs Rory Darge – two of the best openside flankers on the planet. Whoever dominates the breakdown likely wins the match.
Prediction
Scotland are clear favourites with bookmakers (as short as 1.50 in places), and it’s easy to see why. They have superior firepower, better form, and a settled game plan that Wales are still trying to execute.
Wales will fight – they always do at home – and the roof will be closed, making it a cauldron. But unless they fix their lineout (lost seven against England) and cut out the individual errors, it’s hard to see past a comfortable Scotland win.
Scotland to win by 12 points. Bonus point very possible if Russell gets on the front foot early.
The Six Nations needed a weekend like this: one team chasing glory, another fighting for pride. Whatever happens under the closed roof in Cardiff, someone leaves with their championship dreams either alive or in tatters.
Come on, let’s hear your predictions below. Will Wales finally click, or do Scotland march on toward a potential title? Drop your score predictions and use #WALvSCO when you share – this one is going to be special.
