The Welsh Women’s rugby team finished tenth in the World Cup following their defeat to Samoa in the bowl final on Friday. It is their highest ever finish in the competition and despite the 17-14 defeat, Wales will return home pleased with their performance.
Fly Half Awen Thomas opened the scoring with a penalty in the ninth minute, but Samoa were quick to respond and a try from Natoealofa edged the Samoans in front. A further two penalties from the boot of Awen Thomas gave Wales a 9-5 lead at half time.
The second half saw Samoa score a questionable try early on, and an additional try from Natoealofa left Wales needing to score twice. No 8 April Dent crossed the line in the 83rd minute but it was too late for Wales to reply.
It was the last game for Welsh players Liza Burgess and Pip Minto. Burgess who has notched up 71 caps in her career hangs up her boots and Flanker Pip Minto retires after 14 years of international rugby having made her debut in March 1988. The Squad will miss their experience but the World Cup has given Wales the chance to show off their young talent graduating through the ranks, in the form of U19’s stars Sam Mason, Kerry Jenkins and Gemma Allen.
