In the fourth round of the 2025 Six Nations Championship, Scotland achieved a 35-29 triumph against Wales at Murrayfield Stadium. This victory, marked by two tries each from Tom Jordan and Blair Kinghorn, resulted in Wales suffering their 16th consecutive Test defeat and their 10th successive loss in the Six Nations.
First Half
Scotland reacted promptly to an initial penalty awarded to Wales, as Darcy Graham’s sharp run facilitated Kinghorn’s first try. Shortly thereafter, Jordan concluded a well-coordinated attack to increase the advantage. Although Wales managed to close the gap with a try from Blair Murray, Scotland quickly reasserted their dominance when Graham scored following a feint by Finn Russell. A yellow card issued to Welsh prop Willgriff John came before Jordan secured his second try, taking advantage of a mistake from the Welsh side, which resulted in a 28-8 lead for Scotland at halftime.
Second Half
Kinghorn’s second try at the beginning of the half, assisted by Huw Jones and Russell, increased Scotland’s lead to 35-8. Nevertheless, Wales staged a late comeback, with tries from Ben Thomas, Teddy Williams, and Max Llewellyn, which narrowed the gap and earned them two losing bonus points.
Post Match Thoughts.
Scotland’s late-game weaknesses reemerged despite their victory, permitting Wales to re-enter the contest. These persistent challenges have ignited conversations regarding potential coaching alterations, with Franco Smith being considered as a possible replacement for Gregor Townsend. This contest highlighted Scotland’s offensive capabilities and Wales’ determination, creating an exciting backdrop for the final round of matches in the championship.
Scotland’s Player Ratings.
15) Blair Kinghorn. 9/10.
Another solid performance. The Toulouse man commanded the Edinburgh air masterfully. Turning an attacking kick into front foot possession for the Scots. Kinghorn exhibited an exceptional performance, securing two tries and continually challenging the Welsh defense. His efforts were crucial in establishing Scotland’s initial superiority. Has the Edinburgh Academy graduate become the front runner for the Lions 15 jersey?
14) Darcy Graham. 8/10.
Back from injury and back on the score sheet. Graham was strong in the air, and was often busy coming off his wing to create opportunities for the men in blue. The winger also made a notable turnover.
13) Huw Jones. 7.5/10.
Despite not getting on the score sheet himself. The outside centre was always in and around Scotland’s tries. Assisting Tom Jordan for his first score. Jones has it all at the moment, whether it be scoring tries himself or making his teammates look good around him.
12) Tom Jordan. 9/10
Tom Jordan is slipping into this Scotland team with class. The URC champion is a classy player despite not playing in his preferred position. Scoring 2 tries whilst maintaining structure in the Scots backline, you feel that he’s got a big future in this Scottish Side.
11) Duhan Van Der Merwe. 7/10.
No 50 metre rampages from the big winger, but he certainly did his job fending off Eliiot Dee to create Tom Jordan’s first try. A quiet game for his standards but he got the job done.
10) Finn Russell. 8/10.
He gave Scotland great attacking shape throughout the match. A beautiful delayed pass to allow Graham to snipe through for his score. His best game of the championship so far. The standoffs goal kicking improved drastically compared to previous games.
9) Ben White. 7/10.
The scrum half was more active on Saturday compared to previous matches in the tournament. A few snipes here and there meant the Welsh had to keep a close eye on him, giving Russell more time on the ball to do what he does best.
8) Jack Dempsy. 7/10.
Powerful in attack and defence. Strong at the breakdown. Dempsey really gives Scotland a powerful ball carrying option that is often lacking in the Scottish front 8. He was very crucial in receiving the Welsh restarts and giving his side front foot ball.
7) Rory Darge. 6/10.
Darge was solid. The fixture was very open which perhaps didn’t suit his playing style. However he made his way around the park well and was no doubt putting in a crucial unseen shift.
6) Jamie Ritchie. 7.5/10.
The blindside was full of energy. Two turnovers during the game. Penalised once at the lineout, however he was definitely the better of the two flankers.
5) Jonny Gray. 7/10.
He maintained his reputation as a veteran in defence. The lock was working as hard as he always does, making a charge down off a welsh box kick. One handling error however, but was pretty solid in the lineout.
4) Grant Gilchrist. 7/10.
Some big carries early on. A handling error allowed Wales to gain two bonus points. Was penalised harshly at the lineout. However, a steady game.
3) Zander Fagerson. 7/10.
The prop was the best ball carrying prop in the autumn nation series and once again he was great in round 4. A bit of a ping pong on scrum penalties however he continued to move around the park as if he wasn’t a prop.
2) Dave Cherry. 7/10.
A couple of good carries and a few good defence efforts. One missed dart at the lineout early on, butwas a good game for the hooker.
1) Pierre Schoeman. 7/10.
His side of the scrum was solid. A few good carries. SCHOEEEEE, was heard around Murrayfield a number of times. One breakdown penalty won.
