Event of the Day: Scotland versus Wales
Our event of the day is the Six Nations fixture between Scotland and Wales at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh. Scotland will seek a reversal of fortune after starting the tournament with just the one win and 2 losses. Meanwhile, Wales are just two wins away from claiming a Grand Slam in the tournament and will be determined to not let an up and down Scottish side deny them this goal. We are in for some exciting rugby in the Scottish capital this afternoon. Two weeks ago, it looked like Wales’ hopes of a Grand Slam were over as they found themselves down 10-3 with 30 minutes remaining against England. Things started to turn around as two penalties in five minutes brought Wales within a single point. However, any attempt to drive down the field for a much needed try proved to be hard work. It looked like England might hold on for a win. However, a prolonged drive inside the England 22 finally rewarded Wales with a try as Cory Hill dived into the end zone. From that moment on, it looked like England would never get back in it. Wales sealed the victory ten minutes later with a second try that secured a 21-13 victory. This was their second comeback of the tournament, having overturned a 16-0 deficit against France in the first week. However, with twelve straight wins, Wales are showing themselves to be a real force to be reckoned with.
Today they face a Scotland side desperate for a big performance. After a strong win over Italy to begin the competition, they fell to Ireland and France, leaving them in a poor position with the current two best teams in the tournament left to play. The Six Nations is rarely a strong tournament for Scottish rugby. Their last tournament win came in 1999 and their last Grand Slam was in 1990. This year, they have not been able to find any traction or cohesion against the better teams in the tournament. Ahead of their fixture with Wales, who have won 10 out of 10 under retiring coach Warren Gatland against Scotland, Scottish coach Gregor Townsend made the bold decision to drop captain Greig Laidlaw from the starting XV. His replacement, 25-year-old Ali Price, suggests that Scotland are set to play a more dynamic and aggressive style of rugby against Wales. They are 1-4 in their last five Six Nations fixtures against Wales, their only win in that period coming in 2017. Last season, when the teams met in Cardiff, Wales dominated their opponents 34-7, shutting them out until a 79th minute try for the visitors. It’s going to be a tough match for Scotland but they are sure to make things interesting. Be sure you don’t miss it.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the Premier League, where Cardiff City host West Ham. With a win today, and loss for Southampton against Spurs, Cardiff City could pull themselves out of the relegation zone. It would also snap a four-game losing streak for The Bluebirds. Meanwhile, West Ham are ninth and come into this match on a one-game win streak after a 2-0 win over Newcastle. Cardiff will strive to win so expect an exciting match. Elsewhere, in NCAA basketball, the Colonial Athletic Association tournament begins at the North Charleston Coliseum in Charleston, South Carolina. In boxing, Shawn Porter defends his WBC World Welterweight title against Yordenis Ugas at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. On the PGA Tour, the Arnold Palmer Invitational continues at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando. The World Triathlon Series continues in Abu Dhabi. The BNP Paribas Open continues at the Indian Wells Tennis Gardens. In the NHL, the Columbus Blue Jackets host the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Nationwide Arena.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by Six Nations