A LATE penalty by USA fly-half Kimber Rozier proved the difference as Wales fell to a 10-7 defeat in their Women’s Rugby World Cup warm-up match at Pandy Park.
Both sides scored a converted try apiece with wing Vanesha McGee ploughing over for USA and No. 8 Sioned Harries replying in the second half for Wales.
McGee and full-back Akilaini Baravilala were a constant threat with ball in hand for USA, while Dyddgu Hywel and Laurie Harries featured in counter-attacks for Wales.
The score was deadlocked until the 39th minute when McGee dived over to score a well-executed try despite the best efforts of Harries and Hywel in defence. Rozier landed the conversion.
Wales got back in to the game in the early stages of the second half through their forwards with Caryl Thomas and Catrin Edwards willing workhorses.
Wales got back on level terms in the 60th minute after holding onto possession for several phases. The ball was spread wide where Harries showed a clean pair of heels as she cut back to score under the posts. Harries added the extras to bring the scores level.
Wales continued to attack but were guilty of coughing up possession at crucial times. USA made them pay by bursting downfield to set up Rozier for a penalty after Welsh forwards were penalised for coming in at the side of a ruck.
Wales finished the match in the ascendency but couldn’t find a way through.
Wales head coach Rhys Edwards said: “We knew it was going to be a tough game, especially as they are ranked in the top five teams of the world. The scoreboard doesn’t really reflect that so I’m pretty pleased with the performance.â€
Article source: http://www.skysports.com/rugbyunion/match_report/0,,11069_62732_1,00.html
Wales Women defeated by USA in rugby
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