Wales player ratings vs Scotland: 2026 Six Nations

Saturday, 21 February 2026 at 18:28

byHarry Tovey

Wales player ratings vs Scotland as Steve Tandy's men fell to a slender defeat in a much better performance in Cardiff.

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Scotland claimed a fourth successive victory over Wales for the first time in 99 years as a blistering second-half comeback consigned Steve Tandy's side to yet another painful defeat.

Wales looked in control at the break. Tries from prop Rhys Carre and wing Josh Adams helped establish a 17-5 half-time lead, with Scotland’s only response coming through wing Kyle Steyn.

But the contest turned after the interval. Finn Russell seized control, darting over to ignite the fightback before Darcy Graham finished superbly to edge Scotland in front. Replacement hooker George Turner then crashed over to put daylight between the sides and complete a clinical turnaround.

For Wales, the loss extends their miserable run to 14 straight defeats in the Six Nations. For Scotland, it marks a statement victory — and a slice of history nearly a century in the making.

Scroll down for Wales player ratings vs Scotland.

Wales: 23

Tries: Carre (10'), Adams (19')
Cons: Costelow (10', 20')
Pens: Costelow (31', 49'), J Evans (58')

Scotland: 26

Tries: Steyn (14'), Russell (55'), D Graham (58'), Turner (74')
Cons: Russell (55', 59', 75')
Pens:

Wales player ratings vs Scotland:

15. Louis Rees-Zammit – 7

The fullback, who played his best game since returning from the NFL, wasn’t involved as much as he would have wanted in a dominant first half by Wales.
However, as the contest went on, the Bristol Bears player started firing. Creating pressure on the visitors' defence, and was a complete nuisance in the air.

14. Gabriel Hamer-Webb – 5.5

The Leicester Tigers’ winger made his debut for Wales, but it was not the start he wanted as he was replaced by Blair Murray after two minutes for blood.
But after returning, he carried well but was caught off guard alongside James Botham, as Darcy Graham raced over following a quick restart.

13. Eddie James – 6.5

The big ball-carrying centre who had a quiet first half last week, but this weekend, he got straight to work. Made some brilliant carries and seemingly got his side over the gainline more often than not.

12. Joe Hawkins – 6

The Scarlets player has had a quiet championship so far, but was yellow-carded for a high hit on Gregor Brown. Following sitting on the sidelines, Hawkins came back on and was incredibly useful in his side’s attack, especially regathering possession in the air, which proved to be the catalyst for Sam Costelow to kick his second penalty.

11. Josh Adams – 7

Again, the winger could count himself rather fortunate that he started in the fixture. He proved his worth, which came after a try-saving tackle and an interception to stop the visitors' dominant attack. Topped his afternoon off with his second try of the championship and, in many ways, silenced any of his doubters.

10. Sam Costelow – 7.5

Playing his first game for Wales since their harrowing defeat in Japan, the outside-half had a warm welcome return to international rugby following a big hit in the opening exchanges. From there on, he grew into the encounter, made some brilliant kicks in behind, and caught Duhan van der Merwe sleeping in the backline to put his side metres out.

Looked far stronger and more confident than Dan Edwards has this championship. Is he Wales’ first choice 10 moving forward?

9. Tomos Williams – 6

The scrum-half was one of Wales’ worst performers last weekend, with aimless kicks, and his passing wasn’t up to the standards expected of a British and Irish Lion. Still, those kicks remained, but his all-around performance in keeping Wales’ attack up was superb.

1. Rhys Carré – 6

The loose-head, once again for Wales, showed his quality in attack. The prop powered his way over to score the hosts' first try of the afternoon. Since being recalled to the Welsh set-up, this was the 28-year-old’s best outing so far. Despite all this, questions still remain about his fitness, as Nicky Smith replaced him minutes into the second half.

2. Dewi Lake – 6.5

It must be said, Lake is growing nicely into the tournament. Led his side really well, but brutally fumbled possession with his side close to the line before 30 minutes. His work rate was his main strength, it was especially on display following an overthrow from Scotland in their own 22.

3. Tomas Francis – 5

The tight-head was starting his first back-to-back internationals since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, but Francis didn’t make much of an impact in the contest. When needed, he made the odd hit or carry. Scrummaged solidly and lasted 51 minutes, with Archie Griffin replacing him.

4. Dafydd Jenkins – 7

The Exeter Chiefs’ second row has slowly taken his time to build into the competition, and made a thumping hit close to his side’s whitewash on Kyle Steyn. Was a great asset for his side in defence, and perhaps it was his best Wales performance for some time.

5. Ben Carter – 6.5

Making his first Six Nations start as he came in for Adam Beard, the Dragons player had a quieter afternoon compared to his counterpart in the second row. He was effective when his side had lineouts, an area where Wales has in the past lacked quality. Carried well, showed some great handling, and was solid throughout his 80-minute showing.

6. Taine Plumtree – 5

Perhaps a shock inclusion for some, for Plumtree to be in the starting XV, but the 25-year-old started strongly with a powerful carry, which got his side over the gainline. However, he had his first start since facing South Africa in the autumn cut short as he was replaced by James Botham after ten minutes.

7. Alex Mann – 7

The Cardiff Rugby player has had a decent championship, and early in the contest, he brilliantly claimed the ball back for his side from the lineout. One of his main highlights was around the breakdown area at the end of the first half, where he expertly turned the ball over.

8. Aaron Wainwright – 7.5

Battered and bruised but still, Wainwright was one of Wales’ top performers in the encounter. He moved back to number eight in the back row and worked tirelessly in his side’s attack and defence.
Replacements: