Scotland v Wales LIVE rugby: Six Nations 2023 score and latest updates as Finn Russell produces masterclass

Wales hope to bounce back from a chastening defeat to Ireland in their Six Nations opener last weekend as they travel to Edinburgh to face Scotland this afternoon.

The second Warren Gatland era got underway with a disastrous first half-hour and heavy defeat to Ireland but Wales have won five of the last six meetings between these two sides and will be desperate to show more than they did a week ago.

Meanwhile, Scotland secured a third successive Calcutta Cup win against England when Duhan van der Merwe powered over the line six minutes from time to send the Scots ahead and complete a brilliant comeback victory.

Head coach Gregor Townsend has warned his side that the win will count for little if they do not back it up at home against Wales however, as they look to win their first two Six Nations matched for the first time since 1996.

Follow the latest score and updates from the Six Nations below:

Scotland vs Wales - Six Nations updates

• Scotland host Wales in Round 2 of the 2023 Six Nations

• Scotland looking to build on Calcutta Cup win over England, Wales aiming to bounce back from heavy Ireland defeat

• Ireland beat France earlier in Round 2 as best two teams in the world play out thriller

• 58’ - TRY! Steyn socres second try after catching Russell’s cross-field kick (SCO 25-7 WAL)

• 51’ - TRY! Magic Russell offload frees Steyn for the score in the corner (SCO 20-7 WAL)

• 35’ - TRY! Owens rumbles over from a maul after Turner sin-bin (SCO 13-7 WAL)

• 30’ - TRY! Turner powers over off the back of a maul (SCO 13-0 WAL)

• 15’ - PENALTY! Russell chips a second penalty as Scotland turn possession into points (SCO 6-0 WAL)

Scotland 25-7 Wales, 64 minutes

18:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A raft of changes in the tight five: for Scotland, enter WP Nel, Jamie Bhatti and Richie Gray; exit Zander Fagerson, Pierre Schoeman and Grant Gilchrist. Wales swap in Scott Baldwin and Leon Brown for Ken Owens and Dillon Lewis.

Scotland 25-7 Wales, 64 minutes

18:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales simply must score now to have a hope, you feel. Taulupe Faletau has added a degree of stability, setting the tone with a trio of carries, and Rhys Carre follows his fellow replacement’s lead.

Scottish hands steal the ball but Jamie Ritchie is penalised again - Andrew Brace believes that he was the second contesting Scottish player, and therefore cannot be rewarded for his jackal.

This is Wales’ ninth 22 entry, by the way; Scotland have had five. Again, red zone efficiency has been the key.

Scotland 25-7 Wales, 61 minutes

18:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Murrayfield lifts in anticipation as Blair Kinghorn and Duhan van der Merwe eat up metres with long strides up the left, but Kinghorn’s loop had taken him behind a block Jamie Ritchie, who is pinged for obstruction.

Scotland 25-7 Wales, 60 minutes

18:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Off goes George Turner to warm applause after an effective evening, yellow card aside. Fraser Brown rejoins affairs permanently, while Alex Cuthbert is on to the wing for Wales.

TRY! SCOTLAND 25-7 Wales (Kyle Steyn try, 58 minutes)

18:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Finn Russell-Kyle Steyn connection works in Scotland’s favour again!

Another wise exploitation of space from the fly half. The maul sucks in Welsh bodies, with Liam Williams’ absence leaving the visitors severely short of bodies to then fill the wide open spaces to the right.

Russell drops ball to boot, lifting precisely out to his wing, who steadies himself in the outfield and takes securely. Rio Dyer tries his best to get to Steyn, but it’s a simple finish for the former sevens star.

Scotland 20-7 Wales, 57 minutes

18:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A switch of half-backs for Wales as they prepare for a lineout - on come Rhys Webb and Rhys Patchell for Tomos Williams and Dan Biggar.

YELLOW CARD! Liam Williams is sent to the sin bin! Scotland 20-7 Wales, 56 minutes

18:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales’ problems grow. Duhan van der Merwe had cut them open again from Scotland’s set-piece strike move and Wales never regathered thereafter, Liam Williams diving cynically off his feet to kill the ball.

Two weeks, two yellows for Williams.

Scotland 20-7 Wales, 54 minutes

18:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales need an answer soon, you’d think, and Warren Gatland looks to his bench - Taulupe Faletau on in the back row for Jac Morgan, with Rhys Carre on at loosehead, too.

What’s George Turner doing there? Expert sweeping from the hooker in behind the line, like the sharpest of scrum halves to cover the space and leap to take the Welsh chip. He reverts more to type with a bruising carry into Ken Owens and Scotland soon have a penalty for offside.

TRY! SCOTLAND 20-7 Wales (Kyle Steyn try, 52 minutes)

18:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Brilliant from the fly half and Kyle Steyn profits!

It’s a combination of smarts and skill from Finn Russell. He attacks blind, spotting Ken Owens in the line and recognising he can ease to the outside. A dummy pump holds Tomos Williams, who pushes outside and thus can’t aid Owens overly with the tackle.

Russell could probably reach for the score himself but instead adds some extra elan, flicking powerfully and perfectly up for an arriving Steyn, who actually does rather well to cling on and flop over.

Russell’s conversion is a good’un, too.

Scotland 13-7 Wales, 51 minutes

18:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Front ball, well defended by Wales, detonating the heart of the drive and preventing it getting momentum.

But where is Finn Russell going?...

Scotland 13-7 Wales, 50 minutes

18:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another penalty to the hosts. Daffyd Jenkins came in at the side to stall the maul just as it looked to be starting to chug towards a point-scoring destination. Ken Owens is warned that Wales’ discipline must improve.

Back to the corner.

Scotland 13-7 Wales, 48 minutes

18:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Murrayfield lifts as Duhan van der Merwe sets off in full pyroclastic flow, those great thighs pumping as he rampages up the left. Christ Tshiunza remarkably stays with the wing, making a superb cover tackle, but Wales are soon penalised as they scramble back.

Jamie Ritchie points to the corner; Finn Russell obliges.

Scotland 13-7 Wales, 46 minutes

17:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

George Turner fumbles as he tumbles to the line! It looked like it was going to be the hooker’s second score, Scottish forwards thumping around the corner and moving ever close. Turner is cut low by a tackler but isn’t held, just losing control as he reaches for the line.

Scotland 13-7 Wales, 45 minutes

17:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Welsh lineout really hasn’t functioned well today after all those changes in the back five of the pack. Ken Owens throws in, nobody jumps, and the captain spreads his arms in frustration as Scotland launch a counter.

The gallop of Blair Kinghorn in full stride means Scotland are able to make swift progress up to halfway. Finn Russell’s first attempted kick is blocked by Welsh hands, but his second is excellent, cutting through the Edinburgh night and skipping out ten metres from the Welsh line. It’s a 50:22.

Scotland 13-7 Wales, 44 minutes

17:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Turner’s invovled in another high tackle immediately after coming back on, though it’s Pierre Schoeman’s arm rather than his that has wrapped around the neck of Jac Morgan. Just a penalty.

Luke Crosbie’s return is brief. He appears to be worried about his shoulder as Jack Dempsey comes on in his place.

Scotland 13-7 Wales, 42 minutes

17:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales build a promising attack up the left against Scotland’s 14, but Tomos Williams’ ankle is caught, and Liam Williams enters from the side having over-run his scrum-half seeking an offload.

George Turner returns from the sin bin, joined by Luke Crosbie, who had been taken off to allow for the introduction of Fraser Brown.

Scotland 13-7 Wales, 41 minutes

17:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A nervy start from the Scottish players to the second half, too, with the kick fumbled and Ben White then throwing a horrid pass in the vague direction of Finn Russell that Kyle Steyn is instead forced to collect.

George North is back on. Hmm. He has passed his HIA, but he shouldn’t have undergone one if, as did appear to be the case, he had been knocked out.

Second half...

17:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales were out early for the second half, with Scotland making their visitors wait a little. It really is anyone’s game, this - there is a slight nervousness to Murrayfield as Dan Biggar prepares to restart things.

H/T: Scotland 13-7 Wales

17:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Ken Owens score keeps Wales very much in in despite those missed opportunities. Tommy Reffell and Jac Morgan’s work at the breakdown has been, generally, very good, which is preventing Scotland from building up the pitch or in phase play.

I think the hosts could do with simplifying things, though. Finn Russell has thrown a couple of loose offloads, but there are certainly spaces there. George North, you would hope, will not be re-emerging after exhibiting signs of a brain injury after George Turner caught him high - can Scotland get at a Joe Hawkins/Josh Adams partnership that won’t be particularly well grooved?

H/T: Scotland 13-7 Wales

17:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That felt rather familiar - Wales lack of a clinical edge costing them, Scotland rather more effective with fewer chances in advanced territory. It’s been an odd sort of contest, short of flow and fluency with a few too many errors from both sides. Wales have fluffed their lines at least thrice from set piece opportunities five metres out from the Scottish line, but did finally get over with George Turner in the sin bin for Scotland after a high tackle.

HALF TIME! SCOTLAND 13-7 WALES

17:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland 13-7 Wales, 41 miutes

17:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Through the hands of Rio Dyer with a score certain! Oh, how might Wales rue that? Purpose and punch to their attack as the clock ticks into the red, and space opens on the blindside as Tomos Williams finds Dan Biggar.

Biggar’s hands are deft and delightful, flicking out the back, but his pass is low and slightly in front of Dyer, who can’t collect with not a covering Scottish shirt in sight.

Scotland 13-7 Wales, 39 minutes

17:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Finn Russell now threatens to unlock Wales’ wide defence, drawing two with an angled carry and then trying to drop off for a player on the switch line, though on a different page to his teammates. Scotland manage to sweep up the loose pieces, but Jac Morgan locks over the ball and wins a penalty.

Scotland 13-7 Wales, 38 minutes

17:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

An excellent defensive read from Huw Jones, vastly improved in that regard over the last couple of seasons. Wales have a three-man overlap as the ball loops towards Liam Williams, but Jones manages to snare the Welsh full back before he can ship the ball on and cut Scotland open.

Scotland 13-7 Wales, 37 minutes

17:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

George Turner’s absence presents a problem for Scotland at the lineout, but Jamie Ritchie does just about make it work.

That will be his last throw of the day, you’d think, as Wales hold up a Scottish midfield carrier to win a scrum, which necessitates Fraser Brown’s introduction. Luke Crosbie is sacrificed.

TRY! Scotland 13-7 WALES (Ken Owens try, 35 minutes)

17:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Joy at last for Wales and it’s their captain who is the buried beneficiary!

Fine mauling technique from Wales, Adam Beard and Daffyd Jenkins twin pillars around which the rest can crowd. With a great heave they get to the line and Ken Owens takes the celebratory pats on the head.

Dan Biggar converts nicely from the left.

Scotland 13-0 Wales, 33 minutes

17:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales win another penalty with the lineout drive, and Josh Adams can’t make anything of Dan Biggar’s loopy crosskick, so back they’ll go.

Belatedly, George North is called for an HIA after that Turner tackle - Alex Cuthbert is on, with Josh Adams into the centres.

YELLOW CARD! George Turner is sent to the sin bin! Scotland 13-0 Wales, 32 minutes

17:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The significant dip serves as mitigation but there’s a fair amount of force in Turner’s challenge, who offered an immediate apology to George North.

Off to the naughty step for ten minutes. Wales kick back into the Scottish 22.

Scotland 13-0 Wales, 32 minutes

17:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales, at times, look a bit like a school team, throwing the ball about with ambition but short of accuracy or cogent strategy.

A fine win from the restart earns them field position but they get in a muddle and the ball again hits the deck.

Ooh - George Turner might be in a little bit of bother here. George North is falling as he tries to step inside the hooker but there is significant head contact...

TRY! SCOTLAND 13-0 Wales (George Turner try, 31 minutes)

17:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The first angle shows it - ball against turf and George Turner has scored!

Dan Biggar did commendably to nearly halt him, denying the hooker on the first charge, but Turner adjusts the position of his place and just about gets it to ground.

Scotland had again mauled strongly, wrapping up the Welsh forwards and gifting Turner a one-on-one carry into the visitors’ fly-half. Tomos Williams arrived too late to aid his half-back partner. Finn Russell converts.

Try? Scotland 6-0 Wales, 30 minutes

17:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

George Turner surges away from the lineout - it looks like he’s been held up but Andrew Brace wants to check with TMO Brian MacNeice...

Scotland 6-0 Wales, 29 minutes

17:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

What a cover tackle from Rio Dyer! Scotland play with penalty advantage earned at the maul, Finn Russell producing one of those luscious rainbows to put Blair Kinghorn in space.

Kinghorn’s transfer to Kyle Steyn is swift and the wing acclerates towards the corner, but Dyer shows his turn of pace to get back and drive him towards touch.

A helpful shoulder from Josh Adams - looked at briefly by the TMO but ruled legal - helps force Steyn out. Back Scotland will come for another lineout after the penalty.

Scotland 6-0 Wales, 28 minutes

17:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This first half is short of any semblance of flow. Errors, again, from both teams, first Scotland throwing a pass errantly and then Wales hurrying up from an offside position after their latest skyward punt.

Scotland 6-0 Wales, 26 minutes

17:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland’s defence is firm for now, though. Wales struggle to cause them stress, failing to win the gainline with any regularity, and Jamie Ritchie spots an exposed ball as three Welshmen hit the deck with no-one left to clear the ruck. The Scotland captain wins a penalty.

Scotland 6-0 Wales, 25 minutes

17:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The errors continue. Finn Russell’s dropout sails out on the full. More attacking possession for Wales, who must surely capitalise at some point.

Missed penalty! Scotland 6-0 Wales, 24 minutes

17:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Or not! Tugged improbably to the left by Dan Biggar from 40 metres or so out. A poor miss by his high standards.

Stuart Hogg has failed his HIA - Blair Kinghorn will remain.

Scotland 6-0 Wales, 23 minutes

17:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another relatively basic error from Wales, Dillon Lewis dropping the ball cold as he lifts his eyes and prepares to take contact.

But a scrum penalty should earn Wales their first points of the day.

Scotland 6-0 Wales, 22 minutes

17:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s a real battle at the breakdown so far, Wales’ twin openside threats busying themselves whenever they can. Tommy Reffell, who really is one of the finest operators in Europe over the ball, forces Sione Tuipulotu into an extra roll as he tries to contest. Andrew Brace penalises the Scotland centre.

Scotland 6-0 Wales, 21 minutes

17:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Oh Wales, this is all feeling rather familiar. They load the ten channel with carriers as they dart away from the base of the scrum but, in the words of referee Andrew Brace: “All of the backs are offside.” Another chance missed.

Scotland 6-0 Wales, 20 minutes

17:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales are starting to get some joy with their kicking game, turning Scotland repeatedly. Josh Adams forces Duhan van der Merwe to retreat and gather, the wing then combining with Liam Williams to ensure that Van der Merwe can’t abscond. Five metre scrum for Wales to feed.

Scotland 6-0 Wales, 19 minutes

17:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Familiar woe in the 22 for Wales! Christ Tshiunza is again the target for Ken Owens, who doesn’t quite flight his arrow high enough, allowing Richie Gray’s thieving paws to steal it.

Scotland 6-0 Wales, 18 minutes

17:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Much, much better from Wales! Joe Hawkins unfurls a delectable miss ball, fizzing it flat to the wide outside and Liam Williams, who prods ahead and hares off in pursuit.

Williams’ chase earns a breakdown penalty - and Wales opt to go to the corner...

Scotland 6-0 Wales, 16 minutes

17:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Stuart Hogg is actually having an HIA, so Blair Kinghorn may yet be with us for slightly longer than first thought.

After an initial burst from Rio Dyer promises much, Wales get a little over-excited in their more structured attacking patterns, and a timely Scottish tug on the arm sends the ball spilling free, allowing the hosts to clear from just outside their own 22.

PENALTY! SCOTLAND 6-0 Wales (Finn Russell penalty, 15 minutes)

17:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Two from two from the tee for Finn Russell.

Scotland 3-0 Wales, 14 minutes

17:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales are going to go hard at the breakdown, but haven’t qutie got their detail right so far. Tommy Reffell is perhaps harshly done by as referee Andrew Brace picks him up for a failure to show a clear release - I’m not sure what more the openside could have done there with what looks a legal jackal, but Brace is certain in his call, and Reffell accepting of it.

Scotland 3-0 Wales, 12 minutes

17:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales have kicked plenty so far, Dan Biggar first going long and then Liam Williams trying to contest an up-and-under. Scotland look secure aerially, though, and Finn Russell produces an excellent kick beyond Rio Dyer, forcing the young wing to turn.

Eek, that’s not a great pass - Dyer fires wildly towards Biggar, who can’t snare it at the first attempt and is thus forced to hack a hurried kick into touch on the fringes of his own 22.

Stuart Hogg has a bloody lip and will be seen to; Blair Kinghorn on, for now, at full back for Scotland as they assemble from a good attacking platform.

Scotland 3-0 Wales, 11 minutes

17:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pierre Schoeman snatches the ball from Welsh hands in contact, ripping the ball up into his enormous chest and then sending White on. White tries to free Duhan van der Merwe as Welsh klaxons sound, but a hand gets in the way of the pass and knocks the ball into touch.

Scotland 3-0 Wales, 10 minutes

16:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A loose ball worked in Ben White’s favour for the scrum-half’s score against England last week, but a spill from a ruck puts him under pressure here, with White quick of both thought and foot to extricate himself from a tricky spot.

PENALTY! SCOTLAND 3-0 Wales (Finn Russell penalty, 9 minutes)

16:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Simple for Finn Russell from the tee. I reckon that might have been called back for a forward pass had Huw Jones gone over, but Scotland have shown their threat already.

Scotland 0-0 Wales, 7 minutes

16:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Was that pass forward? It matters not for now as Huw Jones goes racing away! A subtle little drop-off at the line from Sione Tuipulotu to free his centre partner and Scotland pour through.

Jones can’t connect with his support but the hosts reload, Finn Russell lifting across for Kyle Steyn and catching a Welshman offside. Steyn pops back infield to Jamie Ritchie, but Scotland then infringe themselves.

Scotland 0-0 Wales, 6 minutes

16:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Much more like it from the two sets of eight, Wales perhaps with a hint of a nudge but Scotland able to play away. Finn Russell calls for it on the blindside and tries to stab ahead, but can’t thread between Welsh legs. Scotland’s lineout.

Scotland 0-0 Wales, 5 minutes

16:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The first tangling of the heavy mobs doesn’t augur well, the scrum going down immediately on the first attempt at setting it, and Scotland then free kicked for putting weight on too soon.

They’ll get a go to right their wrongs as Dan Biggar’s up-and-under is knocked on by Welsh hands.

Scotland 0-0 Wales, 4 minutes

16:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Not the start that Ken Owens would have wanted. Christ Tshiunza takes uncontested at the front, but his reach to his left rather betrays an askew throw. Scotland will have the scrum feed.

Scotland 0-0 Wales, 3 minutes

16:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Up goes another Welsh hoist, hanging in the Edinburgh breeze but not overly troubling Finn Russell, who claims a mark. He safely finds touch near halfway.

Scotland 0-0 Wales, 2 minutes

16:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Hits of ambition from Scotland early on as they test both edges, Finn Russell with his hands on the ball often in their opening attacking movement. He tries to put his captain through a hole, but the space condenses quickly on Jamie Ritchie, who knocks on into Welsh hands.

Scotland 0-0 Wales, 1 minute

16:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Liam Williams is underneath the first nerve-jangler of the evening, claiming calmly as the Scottish chase near. Tomos Williams kicks up to Stuart Hogg, whose first involvement is excellent, jumping to the right and acclerating away from two Welshmen.

KICK OFF!

16:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Andrew Brace blows, Finn Russell kicks, and Scotland vs Wales is underway!

Match ball

16:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Delivering the match ball is Doddie Weir’s great pal and fellow fundraising titan, Rob Wainwright, who has led a cycle ride from Cardiff to Murrayfield. He safely delivers his cargo to the two captains, who greet him warmly.

Finn Russell soon has it in his possession - he’ll kick us off.

Match Officials

16:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s been a good day for Ireland so far, and there are four more involved this evening.

Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU)ARs: Frank Murphy (IRFU) & Chris Busby (IRFU)TMO: Brian MacNeice (IRFU)

Flower of Scotland

16:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The piper on the roof leads Murrayfield in, the band falling silent for one of the great rugby sounds: a Scottish home chorus and their sweet, sweet refrain.

Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau

16:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

No doubting Ken Owens’ passion as he bellows out the opening lines of the Welsh national anthem, almost quivering with the emotion as he leads Wales again. In a pack shorn of a few experienced heads, the hooker will be all the more vital, you feel.

Scotland vs Wales

16:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Princess Anne’s rather funky sunglasses attracted a little bit of attention last week, with the royal a contented observer at Twickenham as Scotland continued their fine recent run against England. Nothing quite as extravagant among her accoutrements this week as she meets the two sets of players, though her tartan scarf might be valuable as the evening wears.

It’s pleasant enough at Murrayfield, though - nudging up towards ten degrees, dry, with only a gusting breeze to trouble the players.

Scotland vs Wales

16:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Murrayfield is full to the brim. Even the most pessimistic Scottish fans - and there are plenty of those - have had to admit this is a tremendous opportunity for a settled side. Win this, and they’ll go into the first fallow week with real, real momentum before a mid-tournament trip to Paris.

As we prepare for kick off, just a mention for Doddie Weir, who the rugby world sadly lost in November, an inspiration figure who is much, much missed. It is five years now since the Doddie Weir Cup was first awarded to the victor of this encounter, but as this is the first edition since his passing, there’ll be an extra layer of emotion to proceedings today. His widow is watching on, as I’m sure the great man is, somewhere, too.

Scotland vs Wales

16:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The players are readying themselves in the dressing rooms, applying those last bits of strapping and fixing their focus with kick off fast approaching. Following Ireland and France is no mean feat, but this could be a lot of fun - the youth in the Welsh side, and the freedom they would seem to have coming north with few expectations, could give them a degree of adventure, and Scotland showed all of their free-running qualities at Twickenham last week.

But it is up front this will be won, you’d think. Wales bossed Scotland in that regard last year, allowing Dan Biggar to take total command and control of the contest.

Gregor Townsend says Scotland must improve to finally back up Calcutta Cup success

16:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has kept faith with the majority of his Calcutta Cup heroes but warned them they will need to improve for their second Guinness Six Nations match at home to Wales this weekend.

There will be just one change to the XV that won 29-23 away to England on Saturday, with Glasgow prop Zander Fagerson replacing 36-year-old WP Nel after more than two months out with a hamstring injury.

Despite the intoxicating nature of last weekend’s win, Townsend explained that his team selection for the visit of the Welsh was not straightforward.

“No, it wasn’t,” he said, when asked if it was an easy decision to pick 14 of the 15 who started at Twickenham.

“We actually delayed the (internal) team announcement because we had a few selections that we had to sleep on. I believe they’ve earned the right to get a second opportunity to build on that win but the performance wasn’t at our best level.

“We’ve got players on the bench and outwith the 23 who are quality players that have played very well for us in the past or are itching for that opportunity, so it wasn’t an easy decision, but these guys now have the opportunity to build on last week.”

Gregor Townsend wants Scotland improvement against Wales despite England win

Dan Biggar stirs the pot

16:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Rarely afraid of a little pre-match fun and games, Dan Biggar had some fun with the press on match eve, positioning Wales squarely as the underdogs and (perhaps) piling a little more pressure on this Scottish side.

“Scotland played well last week against England, but according to you guys they are the best team around aren’t they?” Wales fly-half Biggar said.

“We will have to see how they go on Saturday, see if they can back it up. The pressure is all on them.

“They are red-hot favourites, best team in the tournament, so we will see how they go (on) Saturday.

“We don’t seem to get any credit and other teams seem to get a lot of praise for probably not quite the success we’ve had, but that’s how it goes.”

Dan Biggar insists pressure is on Scotland to justify Six Nations hype

Team News - Wales

16:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Well, Warren Gatland – welcome back. A punchy second selection from the returning Wales coach, making sweeping changes to his forward pack with the axe wielded on a handful of his most experienced players. From the starting forwards a week ago, Gareth Thomas, Tomas Francis (who has a calf injury), Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau drop out.

Out with the old, in with the new, with uber-talented Exeter Chiefs pair Christ Tshiunza and Daffyd Jenkins taking up duties at six and in the second row respectively. Jac Morgan moves to number eight, with Tommy Reffell preferred on the openside. Ospreys second row Rhys Davies is set to make his debut from the bench.

Behind the scrum, the starters are safe (for now) and will hope to build on some promise showed last week. Rhys Patchell does make an appearance among the substitutes, with Owen Williams cut from the 23.

Wales XV: Wyn Jones, Ken Owens (capt.), Dillon Lewis; Daffyd Jenkins, Adam Beard; Christ Tshiunza, Tommy Reffell, Jac Morgan; Tomos Williams, Dan Biggar; Rio Dyer, Joe Hawkins, George North, Josh Adams; Liam Williams.

Replacements: Scott Baldwin, Rhys Carre, Leon Brown, Rhys Davies, Taulupe Faletau; Rhys Webb, Rhys Patchell, Alex Cuthbert.

Team News - Scotland

16:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Just a single change for Scotland from the win over England, with Zander Fagerson back to full fitness and back in the starting side. That displaces WP Nel to the bench.

Hamish Watson is another back in contention in training this week but Gregor Townsend has resisted the urge to bring the openside back into the matchday squad, backing Luke Crosbie (quietly impressive in the Twickenham win) to start again and noting Jack Dempsey’s positive impact from the bench.

Scotland XV: Pierre Schoeman, George Turner, Zander Fagerson; Richie Gray, Grant Gilchrist; Jamie Ritchie (capt.), Luke Crosbie, Matt Fagerson; Ben White, Finn Russell; Duhan van der Merwe, Sione Tuipulotu, Huw Jones, Kyle Steyn, Stuart Hogg.

Replacements: Fraser Brown, Jamie Bhatti, WP Nel, Jonny Gray, Jack Dempsey; George Horne, Blair Kinghorn, Chris Harris.

On to Scotland vs Wales...

16:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Right, we’ll have a load more reaction to a significant win for Ireland tonight and over the remainder of the weekend, but kick off is swiftly approaching at Murrayfield, where Scotland are hoping they can make their own statement and start this championship with back-to-back wins for the first time since 1996.

Let’s take a look at the two teams in depth...

Ireland 32-19 France

16:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Here’s the try that sealed it - given the circumstances, and given the fatigue he must have been feeling, this is a supreme moment of skill from Caelan Doris to free Garry Ringrose.

Hugo Keenan speaks to ITV

16:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“It’s hard to sum it up. The French are an incredible side. We know how tough it was going to be today. We had to work for that whole 80 minutes to break them down and get the win.

“A fast start was key. Against French sides like this, if you give them a glimmer of hope the crowd is going to get behind them. The bench came on and had a real impact.

“It was a long time coming, we’ve had a few tough losses but learned from those. It was the one we were focussing on.”

F/T: Ireland 32-19 France

16:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Both sides are dealing with injuries, of course, but that should be a vital day in the development of some of those on the fringes for Ireland - I thought both Craig Casey and Ross Byrne were excellent in controlling roles off the bench, Casey adding a little dynamism to test a fatigued French defence and Byrne kicking intelligently.

F/T: Ireland 32-19 France

16:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

France’s Grand Slam defence is over - Ireland take pole position in the championship and confirm their place at the top of the rugby world. For the first time under Andy Farrell, they have beaten the French, producing an outstanding performance to emerge victorious from a game that more than delivered.

The second half was tighter than the first, but Ireland always stayed in control, and produced a moment of real quality when it counted to push to a significant victory.

FULL TIME! IRELAND 32-19 FRANCE

16:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland 32-19 France, 82 minutes

16:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

France go off the top. Into midfield, pulled back at the line, and then again...knocked on by Ethan Dumortier! Ireland have ended France’s unbeaten run!

Ireland 32-19 France, 80 minutes

16:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Aviva Stadium crowd roar their delight as the clock ticks beyond 80 minutes and the win is confirmed. France get another penalty from the lineout - Gaetan Barlot will throw again from 30 metres closer to the Ireland line.

Ireland 32-19 France, 79 minutes

16:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The win is gone, but there will be a last chance for France to steal a bonus point - a penalty against James Ryan, who goes slightly high on Gael Fickou.

France’s lineout just indside their own half.

Ireland 32-19 France, 78 minutes

16:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The energy has just gone a little from the French players and crowd as the reality of the situation dawns, Ireland penning them back in their own left corner and time running short. Antoine Dupont’s box kick is charged down, the irrepressible scrum half forced to beat three to even allow him a second chance to clear.

Ireland 32-19 France, 75 minutes

16:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s got to be now for France. Space on the right, Antoine Dupont finding it after Romain Taofifenua’s lay-off. Dupont kicks ahead...skewed too far to the right for Damian Penaud to hack on! French support just a little lacking after Dupont had made the burst, which left the scrum half short of clear options, and his prod wasn’t quite right for an onrushing Penaud to get to.

Tom O’Toole, who has made a real impact for Ireland, carries superbly and earns Ireland a penalty.

TRY! IRELAND 32-19 France (Garry Ringrose try, 72 minutes)

15:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Dublin erupts!

Patient, patient stuff from Ireland, and a try conjured from two brilliant bits of skill. Caelan Doris picks and goes but is held by Gael Fickou, running on fumes but still leading the defensive effort. It appears that Fickou has snuffed out the danger, but Doris writhes and wriggles, shedding Fickou enough to free the arms.

The number eight throws a superb pass to Garry Ringrose, who still has plenty to do. Matthieu Jalibert rushes to meet the centre, but in his haste unbalances himself, allowing Ringrose to get by him with a combination of footwork and a fend and hurry to the corner.

Ross Byrne converts - that might just seal it.

Ireland 25-19 France, 71 minutes

15:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There’s a clear contrast between the laboured charges of the forwards who have been with us since the beginning and those fresher to the field. Craig Casey has injected plenty of tempo to the Irish game, and Jack Conan’s carrying has been forthright and effective since his introduction.

France holding firm for now, though, with Ireland 15 metres out.

Ireland 25-19 France, 70 minutes

15:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Banker ball from France, Julien Marchand to Thibaud Flament at the front. The maul allows Antoine Dupont the space he needs to clear, but the scrum half fails to find touch.

Ireland return to the French 22 swiftly, James Lowe shimmying by the first defender.

Ireland 25-19 France, 69 minutes

15:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another intelligent kick from Byrne, a real craftsman with the boot - Ethan Dumortier is again pushed high to try and prevent Ireland finding more joy out wide, and Byrne lifts a crosskick beyond the young wing, who can only watch it into touch. This will be a pressure lineout.

Dave Kilcoyne is on for Andrew Porter in the Irish front row, while France bring on Francois Cros for Charles Ollivon.

Ireland 25-19 France, 67 minutes

15:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Aki makes an immediate impact, thumping Yoram Moefana as the two inside centres collide. French arms spread wide, appealing the legality of the challenge, but it looked like Aki got his height spot on.

Gael Fickou just about keeps the ball in the field of play but Matthieu Jalibert can’t get to his own chip ahead, and that leaves the backfield slightly exposed.

Ross Byrne prods into the space left vacant by the stand-in French full-back, Damian Penaud lonely in retreat, and grateful for an extra roll and inward hop that allow him to dot down in his own in-goal with Irish pursuers in close attention.

Ireland 25-19 France, 66 minutes

15:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

France’s breakdown work has been far cleaner this week than last. Romain Taofifenua provides his support in the tackle, shows a clear release and then levers into position, wrenching at the ball as Ireland hold on. Wayne Barnes rewards him.

Bundee Aki replaces Stuart McCloskey in the Ireland midfield.

Ireland 25-19 France, 65 minutes

15:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Held up! Ireland go close but Josh van der Flier ends up turtled on his back, unable to force the ball to floor.

It may not have mattered - it looked like the ball had been spilled forwards into the openside by a teammate, but France again show good fight to survive after their lineout had hopped into Jack Conan’s hands.

Ireland 25-19 France, 63 minutes

15:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That’s really sharp from Craig Casey. An Irish pass goes through Ross Byrne’s hands to end another movement that appeared to have good flow, and France make a mess of the resulting ruck to put pressure on Casey.

Rather than risk a hurried pass, Casey lifts a left-footed box kick into space in the corner, finding a favourable bounce into touch.

And Ireland pinch the lineout!...

DROP GOAL! Ireland 25-19 FRANCE (Thomas Ramos drop goal, 62 minutes)

15:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

France are back within a score! With few options in front of him, Thomas Ramos drops back into the pocket and wobbles one between the uprights.

That’s Ramos’ last act - Matthieu Jalibert replaces him and will go to full back.

Ireland 25-16 France, 61 minutes

15:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

As has been the case throughout the encounter, Ireland don’t do a great job of clearing their lines after scoring. France can play from 30 metres out, Antoine Dupont producing some razzle-dazzle with a blind ball out the back to Sekou Macalou.

PENALTY! IRELAND 25-16 France (Ross Byrne penalty, 60 minutes)

15:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland push their lead out to beyond a single score.

Ireland 22-16 France, 58 minutes

15:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Craig Casey injects a bit of zip, the dimunitive scrum half going alone with no forward ready to carry. Ross Byrne then charges hard and straight, but France handle the replacement fly half.

Penalty to Ireland for offside. James Lowe is dragged into touch to end any thought of further capitalisation on the advantage.

Ireland 22-16 France, 57 minutes

15:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

50:22! Superb awareness from Hugo Keenan, stepping into the line and spying great open acreage beyond Ethan Dumortier, who had rushed up to combat Ireland’s outside threat. Ireland kick more 50:22s than any other Six Nations side, and Keenan’s is directed perfectly.

Ireland’s lineout.

Ireland 22-16 France, 57 minutes

15:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

France will make changes, too. Reda Wardi and Sipili Falatea (who was briefly with us earlier) swap in at prop, with Cyril Baille and Uini Atonio sharing a fatigued slap of shoulders as they take leave.

Ireland remove Peter O’Mahony and Conor Murray; enter Craig Casey and Jack Conan.

Ireland 22-16 France, 56 minutes

15:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Romain Ntamack kicks for the corner, the bounce of the ball preventing it finding the five-metre line and Hugo Keenan back promptly to gather and clear upfield. France run it back, Damian Penaud combining with Ethan Dumortier, but neither able to spot a hole to hurry through.

A really good defensive set from Ireland, and an aimless grubber is well gathered by James Lowe. Lowe’s spiral results in a territorial win for his side as Andy Farrell readies more changes.

Ireland 22-16 France, 54 minutes

15:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another Irish lineout misfire - Peter O’Mahony fumbling for a second time in the last five minutes, this time lifted at the front but unable to take above his head. French possession in the Ireland half.

Ireland 22-16 France, 53 minutes

15:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A significant change from Fabien Galthie - Gregory Alldritt relatively seldom fails to see out 80 minutes but today it is an early withdrawal for the number eight, with Sekou Macalou on in the back row. Atypically, France have two flankers at their disposal among the replacements, with Francois Cros to join proceedings later.

A rare moment of calm in the game as the two sides trade kicks.

Ireland 22-16 France, 51 minutes

15:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The travelling supporters are in excellent voice now, booing another decision against their team after Dumortier clashes with Conor Murray in aerial contest. Penalty to Ireland.

Ronan Kelleher throws the lineout over the top, with Peter O’Mahony fading and attempting to take it beyond Julien Marchand - the flanker knocks on, though, ending Ireland’s hopes of a set-piece strike.

Ireland 22-16 France, 50 minutes

15:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It feels as if the momentum has swung a little France’s way. Thibaud Flament produces the most delightful of offloads to Antoine Dupont, clawing it out the back as three Irishmen engulf him.

Ethan Dumortier chips up the left touchline - was the wing taken out? Wayne Barnes says no, believing the collision to be fair despite Hugo Keenan barelling in to Dumortier after the kick.

Ireland 22-16 France, 48 minutes

15:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Johnny Sexton is trudging off! The fly half hadn’t been moving smoothly since receiving that treatment and that is that for his involvement today. Half an hour of Ross Byrne, then - a significant test for the Leinster fly half.

Ireland 22-16 France, 47 minutes

15:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The France are just starting to make their physicality known. Charles Ollivon leads a counter-ruck to win back ball in the Irish half.

Lovely from Damian Penaud, somehow keeping his feet through a tangle of limbs as Irish tacklers grasp in vain at him.

Penalty to Ireland! Just as France seemed to be building towards a score, a vital jackal penalty to draw Wayne Barnes’ whistle.

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