Priestland returned to fitness in time to play in Wales' friendly match against Australia on 3 December 2011, starting ahead of Ospreys fly-half Dan Biggar. In addition to scoring two penalties, Priestland also crossed for his first international try as Wales lost 24–18. For the 2012 Six Nations Championship, Gatland selected Priestland and Hook as his two fly-half options, with Priestland starting all five matches, despite entering the tournament with lingering knee injuries. In the third match against England, he received the first yellow card of his international career. Full-back Leigh Halfpenny was given the goal-kicking duties during the tournament, so Priestland scored just three points: a penalty against Italy in the fourth match. Wales won all five of their matches in the 2012 Six Nations, claiming their third Grand Slam title in eight seasons.