Australia thrash Wales in WXV2 opener
WXV2: Australia v Wales
Australia (10) 37
Tries: Morgan, Karpani, Stewart 2, Moleka, Cramer Cons: Cramer 2 Pen: Moleka
Wales (5) 5
Try: Phillips
Australia were in a rampant mood as they ran in six tries to claim a convincing victory over Wales in their WXV2 opener.
It was sweet revenge for the Wallaroos who lost to Wales for the first time at Rodney Parade last week in a warm-up.
This game in Cape Town had all the makings of another close contest with Wales trailing just 10-5 at half-time, but Australia then scored 27 unanswered points.
The build-up had been less than ideal for Wales, who were without star prop Sisilia Tuipulotu due to delays in her visa, which meant she did not travel to South Africa with the rest of the squad.
There had also been a late shuffle to the starting XV, with flanker Alex Callender promoted from the bench in place of the injured Kate Williams and centre Hannah Jones ruled out completely.
It meant Ioan Cunningham’s bench did not have the impact he was hoping for on 60 minutes, while Australia’s ultimately proving the difference as Wales struggled to live with the tempo.
More to follow.
Line-ups
Australia: Caitlyn Halse; Maya Stewart, Georgina Friedrichs, Trilleen Pomare, Desiree Miller; Faitala Moleka, Layne Morgan; Bridie O'Gorman, Tania Naden, Eva Karpani, Kaitlan Leaney, Michaela Leonard (capt), Siokapesi Palu, Ashley Marsters, Tabua Tuinakauvadra.
Replacements: Tiarna Molloy, Lydia Kavoa, Alapeta Ngauamo, Atasi Lafai, Lucy Dinnen, Natalie Wright, Cecilia Smith, Lori Cramer.
Wales: Jenny Hesketh; Jasmine Joyce, Carys Cox, Kerin Lake, Nel Metcalfe; Lleucu George, Keira Bevan (capt); Gwenllian Pyrs, Carys Phillips, Donna Rose, Natalia John, Georgia Evans, Alisha Butchers-Joyce, Alex Callender, Bethan Lewis.
Replacements: Molly Reardon, Abbey Constable, Jenni Scoble, Abbie Fleming, Bryonie King, Sian Jones, Kayleigh Powell, Courtney Keight.
Officials
Referee: Clara Munarini (FIR)
Assistant referees: Zoe Naude (SARU) & Host Union
TMO: Aaron Paterson (NZR)
