Gregor Townsend’s side aim for another win – Wales v Scotland talking points

Wales and Scotland meet on Saturday in a game crucial to both countries’ Guinness Six Nations title aspirations.

Defending champions Wales cannot afford another defeat after being beaten by Ireland last weekend, while Scotland will target further success following an impressive Calcutta Cup win against England.

Here, the PA news agency looks at some key talking points heading into the Principality Stadium encounter.

Wales need a rapid response

Ireland v Wales — Centre Garry Ringrose scored one of Ireland’s four tries against Wales (Niall Carson/PA)

Scotland’s 20 years of hurt in Cardiff

Wales v Scotland — Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend was fly-half when Wales were defeated in 2002 (Chris Ison/PA)

Finn Russell could cause havoc

The match winner loving life.

Finn Russell?#SCOvENG pic.twitter.com/lZvfkvqGDK

— Stuart McAvoy (@stuart__mcavoy) February 5, 2022

Scotland’s fly-half magician does not require a second invitation to cast his spell on opposition teams, and Wales know he poses them an immense threat. The Welsh defence has had its issues this season, with 17 tries conceded in five Tests, including four against Ireland last Saturday when Garry Ringrose and company enjoyed a field day probing and exploiting space. Wales know they must tighten up defensively, but Russell’s confidence is sky-high following the Calcutta Cup success six days ago, and it could be a very long afternoon for Pivac’s men if he takes centre stage.

Dan Biggar joins Test rugby’s 100 club

1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣

Another Saint hits a significant milestone this weekend in Cardiff – go well, Biggs ?

— Northampton Saints ? (@SaintsRugby) February 10, 2022

Captain Biggar will clock up his 100th Test match appearance for Wales and the British and Irish Lions in Saturday’s game. He will become the ninth Welshman to achieve that feat, following Alun Wyn Jones, Gethin Jenkins, George North, Stephen Jones, Martyn Williams, Gareth Thomas, Adam Jones and Leigh Halfpenny, and it is another highlight during an outstanding international career that began when Wales played Canada in Cardiff more than 13 years ago. Wales centre Jonathan Davies will also reach three figures if he features off the replacements’ bench this weekend, and both players can expect rapturous acknowledgement.