By Hannah Blackwell
Wales captain Hannah Jones lamented a lack of accuracy after her side suffered a heart-breaking 20-18 defeat to Scotland at Cardiff Arms Park in their Guinness Women’s Six Nations opener.
Jones’ team had an opportunity to snatch a draw following a late try from flanker Alex Callender but outside-half Lleucu George’s conversion attempt drifted wide of the target.
“Scotland definitely brought it to us. The girls showed great character towards the end but we had left ourselves with too much to do,” admitted Jones.
“It will be interesting to see how many times we went into their territory but didn’t come away with points. The character and the work-rate was outstanding but we need to be more accurate – we didn’t come away with points at the end of the day.”
Wales face a mighty challenge next Saturday when they face reigning Grand Slam champions England at Bristol’s Ashton Gate Stadium in the wake of what was a first home defeat to Scotland in the tournament.
“We’ve got confidence going into the next game. We have got to park this game, improve our accuracy and come away with points,” she insisted.
Scotland coach Bryan Easson was delighted with his side’s victory, which extended their winning run to seven in all competitions. It was the first time they have won three matches in a row in the Six Nations.
“There were some brilliant defensive sets as well. Seven wins in a row is phenomenal. This is a special group and the win was so much deserved,” he said.
SGÔR TERFYNO
Not to be in the end. Congratulations @Scotlandteam
18-20 #HerStory | #GuinnessW6N pic.twitter.com/j3LroDBdCB
— Welsh Rugby Union (@WelshRugbyUnion) March 23, 2024
Scotland led 10-6 at half-time after being in control for most of the opening forty minutes and extended their lead to 11 points early in the second half with a try from right-wing Rhona Lloyd.
“We spoke at half-time about being confident we had more in us and could squeeze more out of ourselves. We did,” he added.
He praised impressive half-backs Helen Nelson and Caity Mattinson for the manner in which they controlled proceedings with some astute play.
“They put us in the right areas and we managed the game. The wind was really strong and we had to manage it. It was a great result for us.”
In a dramatic finish, George had the chance to draw Wales level but she unable to convert Callender’s last-gasp try as Scotland held on for their first away win over the Welsh since 2004.
Wales drew first blood in the fifth minute when Alisha Butchers and Natalia John earned a penalty which Keira Bevan slotted over to make it 3-0.
However, Scotland responded immediately by scoring the first try of the game through Coreen Grant and they would go on to dominate the rest of the first half.
Downbeat Welsh media conference from coach Ioan Cunningham and captain Hannah Jones as Wales lose 20-18 to Scotland after missing a late conversion
#GuinnessW6N #BBCRugby @BBCSportWales pic.twitter.com/dVrfrQKoRU
— Nick Webb (@nickwebb2017) March 23, 2024
The Scots, seeking to avenge last year’s home defeat to Wales, stormed ahead when Grant’s speed allowed her to touch down in the corner, with Helen Nelson adding the extras.
Nelson extended Scotland’s lead with a penalty but Wales cut the deficit to 10-6 at the break after Sisilia Tuipulotu’s big carry helped earn the hosts a penalty of their own, Bevan adding the three points despite almost running the shot clock down.
Scotland scored their second converted try of the match nine minutes into the second half after winning a turnover, Emma Orr helping to release Rhona Lloyd who raced clear to dot down.
That threatened to end Wales’ hopes but they started to click for the first time in the match and moments after coming close to the Scotland line, they finally had a try of their own when Tuipulotu barged over from close range for a score that was converted by Bevan.
Nelson drilled over another penalty to edge Scotland back into a seven-point lead but they were made to play the final minutes with 14 players after Alex Stewart was sent to the sin bin as the penalties started to build up.
Wales took advantage by scoring a try that reduced Scotland’s lead to two points, Callender bundled her way through the visiting defence in the 78th minute, but George missed the resulting conversion as the hosts fell just short.
