Francesca McGhie stole the show with a brilliant hat-trick as Scotland started their Women’s World Cup campaign with a 38-8 bonus-point win over Wales at the Salford Community Stadium.
McGhie needed just 55 seconds to open the scoring as Wales were caught cold from kick-off, and the wing touched down again after Leia Brebner-Holden’s try as Scotland established a 17-8 lead at half-time.
Wales were again sluggish out the traps after the restart, leading to McGhie dotting down for her third, while Evie Gallagher and Emma Orr also scored tries in Scotland’s comprehensive victory.
This curtain-raiser between the home nations was billed as a must-win for both sides because Canada, ranked second in the world behind tournament hosts England, are overwhelming favourites to top Pool B.
It seemed Scotland fully grasped the significance of the clash as McGhie was freed down the left wing and sprinted down the touchline, shrugging off a couple of half-hearted challenges to go over.
Wales rallied having been caught cold and demonstrated their power with a rolling maul from a lineout, allowing Alex Callender, passed fit following an ankle injury, to burrow over in the 13th minute.
Scotland’s Francesca McGhie runs on her way to score a try during the group B match at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup between Scotland and Wales in Manchester, England, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Shopland)
But Wales committed numbers to stop a maul and paid the price as the ball was spread wide, with McGhie crossing unchallenged after 17 minutes before Keira Bevan’s penalty cut Scotland’s lead to 10-8.
McGhie, though, continued to sparkle, initiating a break upfield just after the half-hour and, while she was hauled down a few metres short of the line, Brebner-Holden scored and Helen Nelson converted.
Wales were again caught out straight after the interval after some quick handiwork along the left led to McGhie bagging her hat-trick and claiming the bonus point for Scotland in the 43rd minute.
scotland wales
Gwen Crabb was sent to the sin-bin for a high challenge on Elliann Clarke and shortly after the Wales lock rejoined the fray, Scotland extended their lead through Gallagher in the 64th minute.
Orr added more gloss to the scoreline two minutes from time, with Nelson adding a fourth conversion to give Scotland a flying start.
Salford hosts the second round of Pool B fixtures, with Canada facing Wales at 12pm and Scotland taking on Fiji at 2.45pm on August 30.
Scotland then face Canada in Exeter at 12pm on September 6, with Wales and Fiji contesting the final Pool B clash at Sandy Park at 2.45pm.
This news was originally published on this post .
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