Six Nations: Confident Stuart McInally believes this is the best time to be taking on Wales

Stuart McInally is in confident mood following Scotland's win over France. Picture: Craig Williamson / SNS

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 Scots have suffered 10 straight defeats in Cardiff 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 Welsh 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 and we’re proud of our defensive record so far this tournament but we know we’ll need to be at our best to handle their attack.”

Townsend’s team are normally known for their attacking flair but so far during this year’s championship it is the gritty defensive efforts that have stood out. The Scots’ tryline has only been breached four times in their four games so far, with two coming in Sunday’s 28-17 win over France.

Touchdowns at the other end have been just as scarce, however. McInally’s breakaway score to clinch victory over Les Bleus was only the sixth Scotland had managed.

“I feel like we’re playing good rugby,” said McInally. “Results are extremely important and we’re very aware of that but we’ve been more pleased with how we’re playing.

“I feel our biggest step forward has been in defence, we’re making it difficult for teams to score. So we need to make sure we keep to that standard against Wales.”