Women’s World Cup 2025: Five things Wales must put right to save campaign

Former Wales rugby league international Ben Flower had been brought in to work on the contact area and co-captain Kate Williams had praised the higher intensity training.

But ex-international Siwan Lillicrap described Wales as “soft” as they were torn apart by Scotland’s back three – not least hat-trick hero Francesca McGhie.

Wales had a tackle success rate of 85% – compared to Scotland’s 90% – but they missed some crucial ones.

Centres Hannah Dallavalle and Courtney Keight as well as full-back Nel Metcalfe all failed to stop the opening-minute try.

And it was a similar story for the fourth – at the start of the second half – when Lleucu George flapped at Rhona Lloyd before Keira Bevan and Metcalfe could not prevent McGhie completing her hat-trick.

It was a constant theme throughout as Scotland made most almost twice the number of metres after contact (264m) than Wales (139m).

“We got bullied off the pitch,” said former Wales wing Caryl James.

“Wales’ defence couldn’t deal with Scotland’s physicality at all. I was surprised at how poor Wales were, I didn’t expect them to be so weak.”

Ex-Wales captain Ken Owens added: “It’s disappointing. Sean Lynn was discussing how they’ve been working on defence but Scotland dominated the gainline. But Scotland turned up and found the edges very easy – way too easy.”