Intense Rivalry Renewed: Scotland vs Wales in Women's Six Nations Showdown

Overview

Scotland and Wales are set to reignite their storied rivalry in the Women's Six Nations this Saturday at The Hive Stadium in Edinburgh. This match carries extra significance as both teams will also meet in their opening game of the upcoming Rugby World Cup this summer.

Recent Form and Expectations

While Wales have historically dominated this fixture, the past year has seen a dramatic shift. Scotland secured their first victory in Cardiff in 20 years during last year's Women's Six Nations. They followed this up with a commanding six-try win in a WXV2 warm-up match in Edinburgh last September, while Wales faced off-field challenges.

Scotland's impressive performance in the WXV2 tournament in South Africa has bolstered their confidence heading into this year's championship. Wales, too, have reasons for optimism. Last year's player contract dispute has been resolved, and the appointment of Sean Lynn, a three-time Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) winner, as head coach has injected new energy into the squad. This weekend's clash is expected to be a tightly contested affair.

Team News

Scotland:

• Debuts: Hollie Cunningham
• Key Players: Sarah Bonar, Lana Skeldon, Rachel Malcolm
• Back Row: Rachel McLachlan, Evie Gallagher
• Half-Backs: Helen Nelson, Leia Brebner-Holden
• Midfield: Lisa Thomson, Emma Orr
• Bench: 6-2 split, Evie Wills, Adelle Ferrie

Wales:

• Key Players: Hannah Jones, Lleucu George, Keira Bevan
• Back Three: Jasmine Joyce-Butchers, Lisa Neumann, Carys Cox
• Front Row: Maisie Davies, Jenni Scoble, Carys Phillips
• Second Row: Alaw Pyrs, Abbie Fleming
• Back Row: Kate Williams, Bethan Lewis, Georgia Evans
• Bench: 5-3 split, Kelsey Jones, Pyrs

View from the Camps

Scotland Head Coach Bryan Easson: "They are a familiar enemy, it's always tasty and they are always close games and games that we really enjoy. Two styles that are a little bit different, it can be quite physical, it can also be a really good tactical battle as well."

Wales Head Coach Sean Lynn: "The big thing is we all care and going up to Scotland, I want us to make the family proud. It will be very competitive and I know some of the players from the PWR - they're a good outfit but we are too and that's what I'm really excited about."

Match Facts

• Head-to-Head: Wales have won 15 of their last 18 matches against Scotland in the Women's Six Nations.
• Recent Encounters: Six of the last seven Women's Six Nations matches between Scotland and Wales have been decided by margins of seven points or fewer.
• Key Players: Scotland's Alex Stewart and Wales' Alex Callender both completed 74 tackles each in the 2024 Women's Six Nations.

Commentator's View

BBC Radio Wales commentator Nick Webb: "Welsh rugby needs a pick-me-up after the lows of the men's Six Nations but new coach Sean Lynn will need to work some magic quickly, even if he does have a good reputation in creating a good working and winning environment at Gloucester-Hartpury."

Conclusion

This match is pivotal in the race for third place in the Women's Six Nations and serves as a crucial marker for both teams' World Cup aspirations. With both sides bringing their A-game, fans can expect a thrilling encounter in Edinburgh.