Six Nations 2026: Wales 23-26 Scotland – Gregor Townsend’s side storm back to victory

Tandy’s response to heavy opening defeats to England and France, in which Wales conceded 15 tries and 102 points, was to make four changes.

Leicester uncapped winger Gabriel Hammer-Webb, Scarlet fly-half Sam Costello, Dragons second-row Ben Carter and Scarlets winger Tyne Plumtree are in for Ellis Mee, Dan Edwards, Adam Bird and Ollie Cracknell.

Wales made a shocking start in their first two matches, but ensured that was not the case on this occasion.

Both Plumtree and Hammer Webb suffered injuries in the first two minutes. Hamer-Webb was briefly forced off with a nosebleed before Plumtree was replaced permanently by James Botham with a shoulder problem.

Wales’ discipline was poor again in the opening exchanges with two soft penalties, before Joe Hawkins was sent to the dugout for a hard tackle on Scotland winger Gregor Brown, who moved from lock to the back row of the win over England to replace the injured Jimmy Ritchie.

Wing Josh Adams made some important early tackles with a crucial tackle on Scotland center Huw Jones followed by a vital interception.

Wales surged with 14 men and after a hard break from half-half Tomos Williams, the home side produced a similarly successful penalty kill last week when Carey was brought down after the first drive from Leake.

Hawkins’ card remained yellow as it was deemed a negative tackle but it was still the 11th offense in Tandy’s seven matches.

Scotland took advantage of the extra full-back with a sweeping move finished by Steyn.

Hawkins returned and fellow Scarlets center Eddie James, along with Leake, Carey and winger Alex Mann, laid the foundations for Adams’ cross for his 24th try in Wales.

Costello, making his first start since July 2025 with Edwards playing the last seven games, shifted from the sideline.

Botham was brilliant after his early introduction and the turnover laid the foundations for Costello’s penalty.

Scotland made a few early tactical substitutions with prop Pierre Schuman and back-rower Josh Bayliss coming on for Nathan McBeath and Max Williamson, with Brown returning at lock.

After another break from Steyn, Mann’s vital turnover led to a penalty as Wales led 17-5 at half-time, the first time the home side had led under Tandy at half-time.