Scotland head coach Sione Fukofuka is bracing for a physical battle as his side prepares to open their Women's Six Nations campaign against Wales this Saturday in Cardiff. With the historic rivalry adding an extra layer of intensity, Fukofuka anticipates Wales will lean heavily on a power game to set the tone.

The memory of Scotland's dominant 38-8 victory over Wales in last year's Rugby World Cup opener looms large, but Fukofuka, now leading the team for the first time in the championship, is expecting a far closer contest. He pointed to Wales's resilience in that match and their recent team selection as clear indicators of their intent. "When you watch that game, it took a long time for Scotland to break that team down," Fukofuka noted. "We're expecting them to come with a lot of physicality and compete everywhere, the collision zone in particular."

Fukofuka highlighted Wales's decision to select a 6-2 split on the bench—favoring six forwards over two backs—as a "telling sign" of their plan to dominate the physical exchanges. However, he expressed confidence in his squad's preparation, stating they are "really prepared and pretty confident" in their ability to meet that challenge head-on.

Scotland will be without a key weapon from that World Cup win, as hat-trick scorer Francesca McGhie continues her recovery from a shoulder injury and misses the matchday squad. The coaching staff is optimistic she will be available for the crucial second-round clash against England at Murrayfield, but for now, the focus is squarely on weathering the expected Welsh storm in Cardiff and starting their Six Nations journey with a statement win.