In a game defined by shifting momentum and a frantic 'super-over'-style finish, the visitors held their nerve against a resurgent Welsh side that fell just meters short of a historic comeback.

A physical stalemate

Scotland struck first in the eighth minute when centre Emma Orr sliced through the Welsh line, feeding Rhona Lloyd, who put Chloe Rollie over for the opener.

Wales, eager to prove their defensive fortitude under new structures, responded immediately. Utilising their superior maul power, hooker Kelsey Jones rumbled over from a lineout to level the scores. The hosts then took the lead at the 20-minute mark when an overthrown Scottish lineout fell perfectly into the arms of the returning Sisilia Tuipulotu. The powerhouse prop proved unstoppable from five metres out, powering over to make it 12-7.

Despite Wales dominating territory for much of the half - buoyed by an impressive debut from 19-year-old lock Jorja Aiono - a late Helen Nelson penalty left the game on a knife-edge at 12-10 at the interval.

Scotland’s clinical surge

Scotland emerged from the break with a tactical masterstroke. In the 52nd minute, fly-half Helen Nelson spotted space behind the Welsh backfield, executing a perfect chip-and-chase that allowed Shona Campbell to gather and score unopposed.

Wales’ afternoon took a turn for the worse when number eight Bryonie King was yellow-carded for a high tackle, forcing the hosts to defend with 14 players. Scotland capitalised ruthlessly. Meryl Smith turned playmaker with a delicate kick over the top for Lucia Scott, who stepped inside the cover defenxe to extend the Scottish lead to 24-12 with just 12 minutes remaining.

Red-zone drama

Refusing to fold, Wales turned to their bench. Teenage scrum-half Seren Lockwood provided an immediate spark, making a line break that allowed captain Kate Williams to dive under the posts and bring the hosts within five points.

The final five minutes were played entirely with the clock in the red. As it ticked past 80 minutes, Wales looked to have lost their chance when Scotland kicked the ball dead, thinking the game was over. However, a TMO review for a high tackle resulted in a yellow card for Scotland’s Demi Swann, giving Wales one final attacking line-out.

In a heartbreaking finale for the Cardiff crowd, Wales spilled after attempting a clever move off the front of a lineout, a stray and deflected pass allowing Scotland to secure their first win of the campaign.

Scotland’s clinical ability to execute under pressure proved the difference, while Wales showed significant defensive improvement and tactical growth despite the result. Both sides now look ahead to Round 2, with Scotland carrying vital momentum and Wales taking heart from a performance that nearly snatched victory at the death.