Wales v Scotland LIVE rugby: Result and reaction from Six Nations as thrilling Wales comeback falls short
Wales 26-27 Scotland: Wales roar back from 27-0 down but come up one point short as Scotland win in Cardiff for first time in 22 years
Scotland rugby ended 22 years of hurt in Cardiff after they thwarted a spectacular Wales rugby fightback to win an extraordinary Six Nations clash 27-26.
It was Scotland’s first win in the Welsh capital since 2002 – ending a run of 11 successive defeats – to set up a mouth-watering Murrayfield encounter against France next Saturday.
But Wales made them fight every inch of the way after the Scots had breezed into a 27-point lead after 42 minutes, with wing Duhan van der Merwe scoring two tries including a virtuoso long-range effort while prop Pierre Schoeman also touched down. Captain Finn Russell kicked three conversions and two penalties, but it only told half the story.
Flanker James Botham’s try sparked the Welsh recovery then he was followed over the line by Rio Dyer, Aaron Wainwright and debutant Alex Mann, with Ioan Lloyd kicking three conversions. Scotland found themselves on the rack after hooker George Turner and centre Sione Tuipulotu were sin-binned during the second period, yet they successfully closed the game out and left Wales wondering what might have been.
Relive all the action from Cardiff below. You can get all the latest Six Nations odds and tips here.
Wales v Scotland
No rest for the wicked! Our attention now turns to Wales v Scotland to round off the opening Six Nations weekend. Should be a cracker in Cardiff.
You can follow that here:
Wales v Scotland LIVE rugby: Six Nations latest updates from Cardiff
Gregor Townsend’s Scotland seek a first win in Cardiff since 2002 against a youthful Wales side in transition under Warren Gatland
Ethan Roots reflects on England debut
Here’s what Ethan Roots had to say after an England debut that ended with him being named Player of the Match in Rome. He was superb today.
WATCH: Highlights from England’s narrow win in Rome
Here are the highlights from an enthralling encounter in Rome. Italy as close as they’ve ever been to England.
FULL-TIME! Italy 24-27 England
That was the final play and Italy get a well-deserved losing bonus point in Rome. But England hold on for a win to kick-start their Six Nations campaign.
TRY! Italy 24-27 England (Monty Ioane 80+5’)
A simply brilliant finish by Monty Ioane and Italy get the losing bonus point! There looks nothing on down the right as Roots tackles Ioane but he doesn’t hold on, Ioane releases the ball, gets up, collects it and then charges down the flank, handing off one defender and going over for the try!
The conversion is good and Italy end within three points! The closest they’ve ever run England and the most points they’ve scored against them as well
Italy 17-27 England
80+ 4 mins: Izekor hurdles a Rotos tackle - that was more NFL than rugby! It takes Italy to halfway. Menoncello makes good metres down the right wing - he’s had a good game.
A crossfield kick to Zambonin is just kept alive but Italy are still only around halfway.
Italy 17-27 England
80+2 mins: Scrum penalty against England again - this time Beno Obano! Italy will boot for touch and now they’ll try to go all the way down the field and snatch a losing bonus point.
YELLOW CARD! Italy 17-27 England
80+1 mins: Care snipes and England within five metres once more. Penalty advantage as well. Roots burrows for the line. Back for the penalty and referee Ben Williams has had enough of the penalties, so Michele Lamaro heads to the sin-bin. We’ll end at 14 vs 14.
England opt for the scrum, going for one last try.
Italy 17-27 England
80 mins: Last attack for England - good lineout by Dan and England are into the 22. Cunningham-South knocks on in contact but we come back for a penalty after a pair of Italian offsides.
England kick to the corner - the clock is almost in the red now
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