Fourth face sixth in the Six Nations on Saturday as Wales travel to Murrayfield to play a Scotland side desperate to right the wrongs following their narrow defeat to England last time out.
The Scots outscored the English three tries to one, but their wayward kicking cost them as they slumped to a 16-15 defeat.
Wing Darcy Graham has been recalled to the Scotland side, with Duhan van der Merwe shifting out wide after putting in a man-of-the-match performance against the English.
Wales, meanwhile, come into this game following a run of 15 straight Test defeats, the latest coming against league leaders Ireland two weeks ago.
With the Welsh hoping to avoid the wooden spoon for the second successive year, there is more to play for than you may think, even if neither side has a chance of claiming the Six Nations crown.
SCOTLAND VS WALES PREVIEW
With new interim coach Matt Sherratt being installed ahead of the Ireland game, expectations are high as the Welsh gave the league leaders a scare before succumbing to a narrow 27-18 defeat.
This came off the back of losses to France (43-0) in their opening game and Italy (22-15). The Welsh team is unchanged from the side that pushed Ireland close.
In contrast, Scotland coach Gregor Townsend was installed in 2017, but has been unable to guide the Scots any higher than third in the Six Nations table during his eight-year tenure. This is unlikely to change in 2025.
Scotland narrowly lost to England last time out, while they were comfortably defeated by Ireland in the second round (32-18). Their only win of the campaign was against Italy on the opening weekend, a game they won 31-19.
SCOTLAND VS WALES PREDICTIONS
Scotland Win
Scotland have won three of the last five encounters between the two sides, scoring an average of 23 points to 18. They also won the games against Wales in both 2023 and 2024. The last time the two sides met in Edinburgh, Scotland picked up a record win over the Welsh (35-7).
The Scots have lost their last two games, but Wales are on an even more dismal run, looking to avoid their 16th straight Test defeat. Combine this with home advantage and Scotland should have enough to overpower the Welsh.
Wales Win
The case for a Wales win rests on their improved performance against Ireland last time out, facilitated by the appointment of their new interim coach. Scotland are certainly vulnerable to conceding points, having leaked 67 so far in the campaign, but Wales have only scored 33, which is far fewer than any other side in the Six Nations this year.
SCOTLAND VS WALES – BETTING TIPS
Scotland Win
Despite the improvements shown by the Welsh against Ireland, it’s hard to look beyond Scotland here. With home support, if they can sort their profligate kicking out, they should be able to win comfortably.
Scotland to Win by More Than 10 Points
Scotland beat Italy by 12 points in their opening game, while they enjoyed a 28-point winning margin the last time they played Wales at Murrayfield.
They have scored an average of 23 tries in their last five games compared to Wales’ paltry 8. Scotland have won the race to 10 points in four of their last five games too, while Wales have failed to score the first try in all five of their most recent games.
Scotland to Score the First Try
Wrapped up in the last stat, Scotland have scored the first try in four of their last five matches. They have also scored the first points in three of their last five games.
Jac Morgan to Score
Jac Morgan scored Wales’ opening try against Ireland last time out and he has a good record against Scotland, averaging 10 carries and 12 tackles in the two games he has played against them. He should be right in the mix here.
SCOTLAND VS WALES – HEAD-TO-HEAD AND KEY STATS
Scotland are looking to make it three wins in a row against Wales.
Scotland secured their highest-ever victory against Wales the last time the two sides faced each other at Murrayfield (35-7).
Scotland have scored the first try in four of their last five games.
Wales have not scored the first try in any of their last five games.
Wales come into this game off the back of 15 straight Test defeats.
