Mcinally calls on Scotland to end lengthy Cardiff barren run

Stuart Mcinally says Scotland have never had a better opportunity to end their Cardiff hoodoo than Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations clash with Wales.

The Dark Blues have suffered 10 straight defeats at the Principality Stadium since their last win in 2002.

But hooker Mcinally says Gregor Townsend’s current crop can smell blood this time round.

Scotland travel south in buoyant mood after bouncing back from defeat to Ireland and England with back-to-back wins. Italy were kept off the scoresheet in Rome, while France’s Grand Slam ambitions came crashing down at Murrayfield last weekend.

Wales on the other hand have suffered a tough transition from Warren Gatland to new head coach Wayne Pivac, losing to Ireland, France and England.

Now Mcinally has urged Scotland to take advantage of the Dragons’ slump.

The Edinburgh forward said: “We’ve not won down there in a long time so everyone is really focussed. We know it will be a big challenge.

“We’re in a great place, we’re confident and we’re going to go down there and put our best foot forward.

“Is this the best time to be taking on this Wales team? I think so. Coming off the back of a win is always nice, we always get confidence from not only the way we play but also the result.

“They’re changing their style under their new coaches but they are playing some really exciting rugby and they proved that in the first round when they put 42 points on Italy. We know how dangerous they can be but we’ve got a great opportunity.

“They seem to be playing a lot more with a high phase count when they carry the ball, they go through a lot of phases before they decide to kick.

“They’re a lot more dangerous with the ball in hand, our defence is going to have to be as good, if not better than it has been in this tournament. It’s something that we’ve been working hard on.”

Stuart Mcinally celebrates his try.