Wales U20s Claim Victory Against Scotland in Cardiff
Wales began their Under-20s Six Nations campaign with a bonus-point victory over Scotland at Cardiff Arms Park, reversing their earlier loss to Scotland in Edinburgh during the 2025 U20 Six Nations.
Wales scored four tries through Evans, Cutts, Scott, and Howe, with Lucas converting and Leggatt-Jones contributing three penalties. Scotland responded with tries from Waugh, Marshall, and Rennie, with MacArthur and Dalziel adding two conversions.
Richard Whiffin's side had previously suffered defeats to England and France, but secured a win in their third match against Scotland. As in the first two rounds, Wales led at halftime, aided this time by a strong wind advantage.
Lock Luke Evans and centre Bailey Cutts each scored tries, complemented by three penalties from fly-half Carwyn Leggatt-Jones, establishing a 19-0 lead at the break.
Scotland opened their scoring shortly after the restart with a try from centre Campbell Waugh, but Wales responded through wing Dylan Scott following a rare attacking move.
Wales extended their lead and secured the four-try bonus point on the hour mark with a try from hooker Tom Howe. Despite spirited late efforts from Scotland, including tries by replacement forwards Jack Marshall and Jackson Rennie, Wales maintained their advantage.
Although this was arguably Wales' poorest performance in the opening three rounds, they managed to avoid only their second home Six Nations defeat to Scotland.
Scotland, who began their campaign with a strong win in Italy and a competitive match against England, will regret missed opportunities when playing with the wind advantage.
Both senior team head coaches, Steve Tandy and Gregor Townsend, were in attendance as the match commenced with Wales starting strongly.
After 12 minutes, Exeter lock Evans scored from close range, and Leggatt-Jones added two penalties, putting Wales ahead 11-0.
In the 16th minute, a swift passing sequence released Tom Bowen down the left wing, who calmly set up centre and Cardiff clubmate Cutts for a try on debut.
Scotland sought a response but were denied when a try by scrum-half Hamish MacArthur was disallowed due to a neck roll in the build-up.
The first half concluded with a third penalty from Leggatt-Jones, extending Wales' lead to 19-0.
Early in the second half, Scotland were held up over the line but soon scored through Glasgow centre Waugh, assisted by fly-half Jack Dalziel. MacArthur converted, narrowing the score to 19-7.
Wales then capitalized on a rare attacking opportunity in the 52nd minute. Captain Deian Gwynn broke into the 22 from a clever line-out move, allowing Leggatt-Jones to find the unmarked Scott with a cross-kick, which the debutant secured despite challenging wind conditions.
This try eased Wales' nerves, and on the hour, hooker Howe, a standout player in the tournament so far, powered over for the fourth try.
Scotland continued to pursue bonus points with tries from Marshall and Rennie, but missed late chances resulted in a scoreless trip.
Following a rest weekend, Wales will face Ireland in Cork, while Scotland host France in Edinburgh.
Team Line-Ups
Wales: Cummings; Scott; Cutts, Emanuel (co-capt), Bowen; Leggatt-Jones, S Davies; D James, Howe, Pritchard, L Evans, O Williams, Gwynne (co-capt), C James, Minto.
Replacements: Talamai, Tuckley, Cook, Rees, Ridgway, Woodyatt, Lucas, Anfield.
Scotland: Widdowson; Moncrieff, Waugh, Clark, McHaffie; Dalziel, MacArthur; Stewart, Roberts (capt), Blyth-Lafferty, Lindsay, Blackett, Byrd, Preston, Purvis.
Replacements: McAughtrie, McKenna, Rennie, Appleby, Ronnie, Marshall, McKenzie, Jessop.
Referee: George Selwood (England)
