Scotland still with work to do after Women's Six Nations opener says Meryl Smith as comeback in Wales hailed

Sione Fukofuka’s first game in charge was a rollercoaster ride which saw Scotland trail at the break, open up a 12-point lead by the 66th minute and then cling on at the death as Wales threatened a remarkable fightback during eight added minutes.

Chloe Rollie, Shona Campbell and Lucia Scott scored the visitors’ tries in Cardiff, with Scott’s decisive effort set up by a perfectly-judged kick from the boot of Smith, playing her first Scotland match since suffering an ACL injury in 2024. The inside centre relished her return to the big stage and hopes her side can build on their promising start, with world champions England next up at Murrayfield in Round 2.

“To be back in blue means the world,” Smith said. “It is such a special group. I have definitely missed it over the last year, seeing it from the stands and watching them do such amazing things at the World Cup.

“To be back in with the squad is amazing and to get the win is the cherry on top. We are looking to play a bit more expansive rugby. We have a really strong skillset among our players and our back three are really strong, some of the fastest girls around.

“That first half from our point of view wasn’t good enough. We didn’t front up as much as we should have done and the Welsh came out firing.

“The crowd were so loud behind them and that pushed them on. That’s something we need to work on next week and hopefully playing in front of a Scottish crowd might make that easier.”

Scotland were first to strike in Cardiff, Rollie given a routine run-in after fine work by Emma Orr and Rhona Lloyd in the build-up. Wales responded instantly, hooker Kelsey Jones breaking free from a rolling maul to touch down before her overthrown lineout found prop Sisilia Tuipulotu, who charged over to put the hosts in front.

Helen Nelson’s penalty reduced the deficit to two points at the break and Scotland gained a cutting edge after the restart.Campbell, playing her first international since 2022, latched on to Nelson’s kick to score her first Scotland try before Smith put boot to ball to set up Scott, who stepped inside Kayleigh Powell for the decisive third try. Wales captain Kate Williams powered over with eight minutes remaining to bring the hosts back within five points and a somewhat chaotic finish ensued.

Nelson spurned the chance to seal the game when her penalty went wide with the clock in the red, while debutant Demi Swann was sin-binned to give Wales hope. They worked their way into the Scottish half only for a loose pass to bring an end to a hard-fought contest which was a long way removed from August’s World Cup meeting, which Scotland won 38-8.

“It was a little bit tight at the end there,” said Nelson, who picked up the Player of the Match award.“It is always tight against Wales but I’m just pleased we managed to put in a full 85-minute performance and get the win.”

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