For the first time in years, Wales left the Principality Stadium after a loss and the overwhelming emotion was not despair, but something closer to belief. The 24-24 thriller against Scotland – Wales’ 24th defeat in 26 Tests and 14th straight Six Nations loss – was the kind of game that reminds you why people still care.
The roof was closed, the noise was deafening, and for long periods Warren Gatland’s side looked like a team that could actually win a rugby match again.
Former Wales captain Sam Warburton sat in the stands and admitted he felt emotional.
“I’ve been worried for Welsh rugby,” he told BBC Sport. “Interest was dropping, crowds were shrinking, and it felt like we were in freefall. But that atmosphere on Saturday told me everything I needed to know. There is still life in Welsh rugby. The fans have been unbelievable.”
The Game That Changed the Mood
This was not another record-breaking hammering.
Wales went toe-to-toe with a Scotland side that had arrived in Cardiff full of confidence after beating England the week before. The lead changed hands six times. Wales were 24-17 down with twelve minutes left and somehow dragged themselves level through a Dewi Lake try.
In the end, a late Finn Russell drop goal sealed it for the visitors, but nobody in red shirts walked off feeling humiliated. They walked off exhausted, proud, and strangely optimistic.
The 74,000 crowd roared until the final whistle and beyond. Many stayed to applaud the players long after the Scotland fans had started celebrating. It felt like the first time in three years that losing did not feel like the end.
The Stats That Actually Matter
For years the numbers have been brutal: worst ever defeats, longest losing runs, lowest ever world rankings.
Yet hidden inside Saturday’s performance were statistics that offer genuine hope.
Aaron Wainwright is currently the second-highest ball carrier in the entire Six Nations with 48 carries after three rounds – behind only England’s Ben Earl. He also ranks second for metres made after contact (70).
Centre Eddie James, the 23-year-old Scarlets powerhouse, leads the tournament for metres per carry among players with more than 10 attempts. His physicality terrorised the Scotland defence all afternoon.
Here are the standout Welsh numbers after round three:
- Aaron Wainwright – 48 carries (2nd in tournament)
- Aaron Wainwright – 70 post-contact metres (2nd)
- Eddie James – highest metres per carry in Six Nations
- Dewi Lake, Rhys Carre, Eddie James – all broke 10+ tackles combined
These are not fluke numbers. These are signs of a pack finally learning how to carry with intent again.
Eddie James announced himself as the real deal.
Warburton said it best: “He put his hand up and said ‘I’m a centre for the future’. That’s what an international centre looks like.”
The Bigger Picture Remains Worrying
Let’s not get carried away.
Wales have still not won a Six Nations match since beating Italy in Rome in March 2023 – almost three years ago. They have lost 14 Championship games in a row. The last time Wales went this long without a Six Nations victory, Margaret Thatcher was still in power.
Off the field, the Welsh Rugby Union is facing an Extraordinary General Meeting called by disgruntled clubs who want change at the very top. Years of financial mismanagement, contract chaos, and the loss of star players to England and France have left the professional game in crisis.
The four regions continue to operate on shoestring budgets while English and French clubs hoover up the best Welsh talent. The national team is paying the price.
But Something Feels Different Now
Saturday proved Wales can still compete at this level when the basics are right.
The line-out functioned. The scrum held up. The defence, for the most part, tackled like men possessed. And most importantly, Wales finally had ball carriers who scared the opposition.
After years of being bullied up front, opponents now have to think twice before committing numbers to the breakdown when Wainwright, Lake, or James have the ball.
The challenge now is consistency. A daunting trip to Dublin awaits before the Six Nations finale against Italy back in Cardiff on 14 March.
Beat Italy – something Wales have failed to do in either of the last two campaigns – and the entire narrative changes overnight.
Sam Warburton believes the Principality Stadium will be rocking again for that Italy match.
“I think that will be a 70,000 crowd,” he said. “People will come back because they saw something on Saturday. They saw fight.”
For the first time in a very long time, Welsh rugby supporters have genuine reason to believe the corner might finally be in sight.
The dragon is bruised, battered, and bleeding, but it is still breathing fire.
