Wales v Scotland was arguably the most anticipated game of the opening round, with a contentious recent history mostly going in Wales’ favour. Before today, Wales had never lost to Scotland at home.
It was a scrappy encounter and despite Scotland being fairly dominant on the pitch, they never pulled away on the scoreboard. Scotland spent much of the first half camped in Wales’ 22 with only 10 points to show for it. (Half-time 6-10). Tries from Rhona Lloyd and Coreen Grant along with Helen Nelson’s perfect day on the tee got Scotland’s points. A missed Welsh conversion saved Scotland from a last minute draw. (Final score: 20-18.)
1. Leah Bartlett – 7. The Leicester Tigers prop won a scrum penalty against Sisilia Tuipulotu, then gave away a penalty for being off her feet over Tuipulotu. Shall we call it even? Made way for Molly Wright 74 minutes in.
2. Lana Skeldon – 6. Scotland’s lineout in the first half was pretty shocking. However, she showed off her soft hands in attack and hit hard in defence. Injured 62 minutes in, and replaced by Elis Martin.
3. Christine Belisle – 6. Not her best performance in the loose and mixed in the tight. The Canadian-born prop made way for Elliann Clarke at 60 minutes.
4. Emma Wassell – 6.5. Generally played well in the loose but got caught out without support near Wales’ tryline. It was disappointing that Scotland’s first-half lineout failed to function despite the return of Wassell and Bonar.
5. Sarah Bonar – 7. The Harlequin was solid in defence and took a couple of lineouts well. Injured 69 minutes in, replaced by Louise McMillan.
6. Rachel Malcolm – 6. A quiet game by the captain’s high standards.
7. Alex Stewart – 6.5. The debutant did not look out of place in international rugby and tackled well. Unfortunate to get carded 3 minutes before the whistle.
8. Evie Gallagher – 8. The star of Scotland’s pack, facing many of her Bristol Bears teammates. Strong in defence, turned over the ball and could not stop crossing the gain line in attack. Knocked on a high ball a couple of minutes in. Didn’t manage to stop Tuipulotu going over from short range – but who could have?
9. Caity Mattinson – 7.5. Efficient, and the halfbacks controlled the game well. I loved her quick tackle of Bethan Lewis out the back of the scrum.
10. Helen Nelson – 8. What an improvement in her kicking! The vice-captain was perfect from the tee, which proved vital in the extremely close game. Great game management, generally good passing (if occasionally unsympathetic). Dealt poorly with a high ball that went over her shoulder.
11. Coreen Grant – 9. A player of the match performance for Grant who looked so exciting every time she got the ball. The Saracen took her first try very well with work still to do. She had some stunning breaks seemingly out of nowhere.
12. Lisa Thomson – 7.5. Great in-game kicking, including a lovely 50:22. Otherwise quiet but didn’t do much wrong.
13. Emma Orr – 9. Couldn’t have argued if she’d been player of the match. Dominant in defence, incisive in attack, with a fantastic pass for Rhona Lloyd’s try.
14. Rhona Lloyd – 7.5. Didn’t see too much of her but took her only real chance well for a try. Knocked on from a restart; had a couple of great tackles.
15. Meryl Smith – 8. Perhaps has less flair than Chloe Rollie but had a great game. Smith is such a smart player and she showed it, with stunning offload, some great footwork and a fantastic pass for Scotland’s first try. Dropped one ball in the back field but recovered well. Made way for the vastly experienced Rollie at 76.
Replacements
16. Elis Martin – 7. The line out functioned well in the 20 minutes Martin was on the pitch, and she looked good in the loose. Hopefully Lana Skeldon recovers quickly, but we may see much more of Elis this campaign and it’s exciting how good this young player could be.
17. Molly Wright n/a came on 74 minutes.
18. Elliann Clarke – 6. The Bristol Bear carried well and the scrum didn’t suffer when she came on.
19. Louise McMillan n/a – replaced Sarah Bonar with just 10 minutes to go.
20. Eva Donaldson n/a
21. Mairi McDonald – n/a
22. Shona Campbell – n/a
23. Chloe Rollie – n/a. A rare appearance off the bench for this Scottish stalwart at 76 minutes. Made a try saving tackle.
Skye Wilson 