“Maybe that was what Wales needed”- Sione Tuipulotu on former coach Steve Tandy’s impact on Wales

The Glasgow Warriors player, Tuipulotu, will be coming up against a Welsh side, with his former defence coach, Tandy, at the helm of Wales.

The 46-year-old spent six years as the defence coach under Townsend's guidance, and he spoke about the emotions surrounding the fixture. In his pre-match press conference, Tandy highlighted his fond memories of coaching in Scotland and the emotions around facing his former employers.

Following the conclusion of Scotland’s Captain’s Run on Friday afternoon, Tuipulotu highlighted the impact that Tandy had on his career.

“I would say, probably moving over, he was the first coach I had a personal relationship with.

“When I moved a long way away from home, I think he could see. I know you guys probably don’t believe me, but when I’m around people I don’t know, I’m very shy, and I’m not shy now.

“But when I first came over here, I was really shy. He was one of the first coaches to put his arm around me, and I suppose learned me as a person before a rugby player, and that had a massive effect on my rugby.

“In the early stages of my development in Scotland, he played a massive part in just bringing me out of my shell. He was the first person to encourage me.

“I owe a lot to him.”

Scotland has come a long way since fumbling a 21-0 lead against Argentina, only to lose 33-24 at Murrayfield in the 2025 autumn internationals.

It hasn’t been smooth sailing, but there have been signs of improvement. The brutal 18-15 defeat at a drenched Stadio Olimpico against Italy now seems a distant memory after Gregor Townsend’s side ended England's 12-Test winning streak.

The response was needed, and they were of great value in their 31-20 triumph over England last Saturday. They’ve truly kept their hopes alive for the Six Nations title. It can be argued that the triumph in Edinburgh was to be expected for Scotland, which has won six times against England since 2018.

They head to the Welsh capital full of confidence, to take on a bruised Welsh side who have conceded 102 points in their opening fixtures. It’s a rather favourable tie for Scotland, who you would expect to have been worse than they were against Italy if Steve Tandy’s side are to record the upset.

On facing a desperate Wales, Sione Tuipulotu added: “I’ve always felt that Welsh people, and Scottish people, are actually quite similar.

“They carry the same underdog story; they play like that. My instructions to the boys is that if you felt like you were desperate last week, they’re going to be on a whole other level of desperation tomorrow.

“That’s what I’m expecting from them. I’m expecting them to be fired up; we’re playing in front of their fans. We know how desperate they are. We know how well coached they are, and as people, they are going to front up for their country.

If Scotland is to lose against Wales, it would be harrowing for Townsend’s side, who will see their aspirations of claiming a Six Nations title fade away. But, if you’re going off recent history, Scotland has failed to back it up with another win.

Since 2001, however, after claiming the Calcutta Cup, they have lost their next match six times. On this, Tuipulotu said: “Last week, the big thing I’m most proud of is our ability to stay at that level for the 80 minutes.