A much-improved Welsh side overcome the Springbok Women in the second WXV Global Series weekend when England and Canada reprise last year's Women's Rugby World Cup final.
Wales 50 - 19 South Africa
Wales proved too strong for South Africa, delivering one of their best first-half performances in recent years to secure a convincing 50-19 win and kick off their WXV Global Series campaign in impressive fashion.
After Kate Williams made a successful jackal inside Welsh 22, the hosts stepped up and 11 phases later, Courtney Knight pierced the line to score the opening try. Freya Bell added the extras.
Wales kept the momentum going and landed a second finish before the 10-minute mark, starting with a terrific jackal by Kelsey Jones. From a lineout, Lisa Neumann found a way to breach the Springbok Women's defence, and two plays later prop Sisilia Tuipulotu powered from the ruck to extend the hosts' lead to 14-0, thanks to another conversion from Bell.
The Springbok Women had several chances to narrow the gap but failed to make the most of two five-metre lineout driving mauls. However, their powerful scrum overturned possession and, from close range, scrum-half Felicia Jacobs dived over to get her side on the board.
It wouldn't be enough to sting Wales. Sean Lynn's side quickly recovered from the restart, and Lisa Neumann kicked it deep, with Amy Williams giving chase. The winger caught the ball and fell inches from the whitewash, allowing Seren Lockwood time and space to score her team's third. To the Boks' dismay, Lindelwa Gwala was sin-binned following a tackle from an offside position moments before the try was scored.
Maisie Davies, Jones and Neumann followed next, with Wales going to the break up 38-5. The only downside for the Welsh side was Lockwood's early departure with injury. For South Africa, the scoreline wasn't the only issue: Danelle Lochner was initially shown a yellow card five minutes before half-time, but it was ultimately upgraded to a red card.
Wales picked up where they left off after the break, with Wales celebrating beneath the posts as prop Tuipulotu crossed for her second try. The visitors had their best period of the match, producing two sensational plays that ended in tries from Maria Tshiremba and Maceala Samboya.
As the Welsh showed a few signs of fatigue, the Springbok Women took the opportunity to control possession, looking for a way back into the contest. Nonetheless, it wasn't enough to pin down the hosts, who regained momentum and added their 8th finish of the evening when Alex Callender reached the try line after a sensational carry from winger Williams.
Nothing changed until the final whistle, with Wales earning their second win under Sean Lynn. Special mentions to Keira Bevan, who, playing in an unfamiliar position, orchestrated ambitious attacking lines that kept Wales constantly on the front foot, while Williams, Callender, Tuipulotu and Neumann looked impressive throughout.
Italy xx - xx Japan
Match report to follow
England xx - xx Canada
Match report to follow
France xx - xx Australia
Match report to follow
Scotland xx - xx New Zealand
Match report to follow.
