Wales Women overpowered by clinical Canadians

Kayleigh Powell, Jasmine Joyce, Elinor Snowsill and Manon Johnes were all in action, as Wales showed glimpses of what they could do with possession and territory, but struggled take scoring opportunities against a clinical Canadian side.

A strong start for Wales saw the side secure the penalty early on to take hold of possession. Sioned Harries powered her way through in midfield to gain the territory and had solid support from Kayleigh Powell to keep Wales in control.

Another penalty against Canada allowed Elinor Snowsill to put Wales deep in the corner for the lineout but a spill from the Welsh allowed their opponents to clear. But a clearing kick not finding much ground gave Wales a second chance in the 22 with the throw-in.

Quick ball out wide off the back of a lineout saw Jasmine Joyce mark her return with a spectacular linebreak to bring Wales within metres of the line before being brought down. Despite turning Wales over on the line, a penalty against Canada allowed Snowsill to slot the three points to open the scoring.

Canada answered back from the restart making the break into the Welsh half. A huge shove in the scrum set Paige Farries up to score with Brianna Miller converting to take Canada 7-3 ahead.

Bouncing back from a slow start, Canada had the opportunity again moments later with Fabiola Forteza breaking through for the side’s second try.

Wales kept digging in and conjured up another attack in their opponent’s half with Powell setting up Lowri Norkett for the break. Solid defence work from the hosts kept Wales at bay, denying them points on the board despite their efforts.

Just before half time, Canada worked the ball well out wide to Maddie Grant who raced over for their third try of the match to go in 17-3 at the break.

Coming out for the second half Canada looked to pick up where they left off. Running the ball deep in Wales’ 22 a try saving tackle from Harries kept the hosts away but good support and quick recycling sent Farries over for her second try.

Wales’ tried to reply with a solid scrum in Canada’s half setting up Ffion Lewis for the break to take her side into her opponents 22, but a relentless defence kept Wales away once again.

Ringing in the changes off the bench, Wales looked to shift momentum in their favour but Canada set up camp in Wales’ half as they looked for their next score.

Wales did well to hold them back but Canada weren’t coming away empty handed. Justine Pelletier coming off the back of a strong setpiece to score.

Despite being on the back foot, Wales kept taking the fight to Canada as the game entered its closing stages. Building an attack in their 22, the pack drove closer to the line on the search for their first try but the opportunity was lost with a penalty to Canada.

Last chance saloon came for Wales a minute before the end with an attack in a good position edging them near to the whitewash after a big carry from Siwan Lillicrap off the back of a scrum and offload to Hannah Jones. But Canada once again defended well to earn the penalty and deny Wales once again.

Head coach Ioan Cunningham said he was proud of the effort the team put in against one of the expected contenders at the rapidly approaching Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

“We had enough ball but didn’t convert opportunities,” he said.

“We have got to turn those opportunities into points. I was proud of the defensive effort and it was good to see more players gaining vital experience with the new caps and other players getting deserved game time. It’s proved a good learning week and has certainly provided us with some headaches ahead of the World Cup.

“It was exactly what we needed to progress and help us with our selection.”