WALES’ WOMEN ‘OUT-STAR’ THE ALLSTARS

The representative squad consisted of global players with a cumulative total of over 400 caps including Wales legend Liza Burgess and Canadian captain, Kelly McCallum.

The game kicked-off under near perfect conditions at the University of Glamorgan Playing Fields.  Wales won their first line-out on the All Stars’ 5 yard line, with Hooker Jenny Davies quickly taking possession of the ball in the resulting driving maul and grounding the ball for Wales’ first 5 points.   

An equal balance of possession kept the score at 5-0 until sound scrummaging from Amy Broadstock provided a platform for the Welsh backline to combine and put Non Evans into space to run over under the posts.  Stacey Saunders converted to put Wales ahead by twelve points. 

The All Stars threatened from the restart and came close several times, only to be denied by a solid Welsh defence and a call for crossing. 

Torrential rain arrived along with the whistle to start the second half, turning the conditions from near perfect to extremely challenging.  Two minutes into the half, Wales had an opportunity to add a further three points through the boot of Awen Thomas but her attempt was halted by the rapidly rising sidewind. 

The All Stars acclimatised to the conditions quickly and put pressure on the Wales defence, pushing them back to their try-line.  An attempted clearance by Non Evans was intercepted by Kelly McCallum, who dived down to put the All Stars’ five points on the board and bring the score to 12-5. 

Wales showed immense bouncebackability to push forward and keep play out of their 22.  An Awen Thomas tap penalty on 10 yards give a superb chance for Emma Phillips to drive forward and lay-off to Amy Broadstock, only for her to be held-up over the line. 

Deep into the 11 minute injury time Awen Thomas added a further three points to consolidate the final score as 15-5. 

Head Coach, Phil John, said “This was a superb win for the girls under difficult conditions and against an exceptionally experienced opposition.  It has made a pleasing start to the season and will give the girls a sound platform to build on into the Six Nations”. 

Wales play their next Autumn International on Wednesday 8th December against England XV at Clifton (7pm kick-off).