WXV1: Canada 42-22 Wales – Fearless Wales beat in Wellington

Wales threatened to end a 17-year losing streak to Canada before they were eventually overpowered in their opening match at WXV1 in Wellington.

Ewan Cunningham’s side faced one of the powerhouses in women’s rugby, with the score 21-17 at half-time.

But the lack of discipline ultimately cost Wales as Canada prevailed in the physical battle after the break.

Sophie De Goede led from the front with a try and six conversions to her name.

Wales had not beaten Canada since their 2006 encounter in Cardiff, but with a fully professional squad now in place, they went into this match with confidence.

Canada was on the scoreboard within the first five minutes. A penalty for not rolling away gave them a five-metre driving line from which to attack.

Skipper de Goede peeled the pack and headed towards the line before completing a series of pick-and-gos.

Wales responded almost immediately after Canada was penalized. Robin Wilkins’ kick formed the attacking line Wales are known for.

But it was not the traditional strike this time. Instead, hooker Caris Phillips threw a short ball to Alisha Butchers who returned the pass for the hooker to collide with the defence.

Keira Bevan converted from the touchline before adding a penalty to put Wales ahead after 28 minutes.

Canada continued to threaten when Florence Simmonds tore down her wing, but sevens star Jasmine Joyce faced a brilliant save.

Canada’s second attempt came after fullback Madison Grant collected her high kick before winger Sarah Svoboda got between the attackers to cross.

Grant herself scored moments later with a well-taken free-kick after Simmonds had come off her wing to create an overlap in midfield.

With the game threatening to slide, Wales pulled one back just before half-time when second-row Evans latched on to a loose pass from Alexandra Tessier and sprinted to the goal line.

Canada started the second half brighter of the teams and Wales’ defense eventually collapsed after being trapped deep in their own half when prop Hunt crashed under the posts.

Evans and Olivia Apps were forced off after a clash of heads led to the long-awaited introduction of Kate Williams, the Auckland-raised New Zealand naval officer who joined Wales at last year’s World Cup.

Wales tried to come back strong but were frustrated by losing the ball as they went through phases.

With Wales’ penalty count reaching double figures, Canada were gifted territory and a fifth try when substitute hooker Gillian Poage broke free from the line drive.

It was Canada that had the final say and came straight from the assembly. Player of the match De Guidi picked up the ball at the base to send winger Maude Lachance to a convincing victory.

Wales now travel to Dunedin where hosts and world champions New Zealand await, while Canada take on top team England.

Wales coach Ewan Cunningham said: “It’s about the territory and the lack of possession, teams that keep the ball put a lot of pressure on the defence. If we can manage the midfield a little better it will give us opportunities to put pressure on other teams.

Wales Captain Hannah-Jones said: “It’s very pleasing to see how far we’ve come, I’m so proud of the girls, we kept it up until the end and we’ll look back now, regroup and look forward to the next game.

“Faith has been a big focus of this week and I definitely think it’s there.”