Even though this was an uncapped international against Canada A, it was still important for Wales to get a good start in the U20’s Nations Cup.
The squad selected was a mixture of experience and exuberant youth, ranging from Carys John and Heledd Stephens both with 3 international caps, to Paris Nicholas and Lorna Compton who have both yet to play a game of senior rugby.
The Canadians quickly showed Wales the sort of afternoon they were in for with their immense physicality in the contact area. Despite this, Wales managed to put together four phases including some much improved handling skills resulting in a beautifully timed missed pass by Bethan Preece to allow Paris Nicholas to score out wide on the wing.
Unfortunately the conversion was missed and Canada quickly reverted back to out-muscling Wales at the contact area. Despite some dogged defence by outside half Elinor Snowsill (17 tackles) Wales were finally broken when the Canadian fullback received the ball on the outside to score.
Wales managed to regain some composure and territory after a Canadian infringement at the ruck lead to a converted penalty by fullback Mared Evans. Canada A quickly responded with a penalty conversion of their own after Heledd Stephens played the ball on the floor.
The second half started with Canada A down to 14 players due to an infringement just before half time. Wales made three substitutions with Vicky Owens, Lisa Newton and Rachel Green with the first two making a huge impact to a lacklustre pack.
Back to 15 players Canada A regained their momentum which resulted in a well worked try for their 14 scoring on the outside. Some excellent defence by Levi Hallett handed Wales an opportunity to close the gap with Green converting a long range penalty making the final score 13-11 to Canada A.
Despite this loss Wales showed some much improved fitness to maintain a good level of intensity of the 80 mins. Wales felt there were many positives to take away and look forward to their next game against Canada, which kicks off at 7.10pm on Monday 14th July 2008 (BST).
Wales Women U20: Mared Evans; Paris Nicholas, Heledd Stephens (VC), Bethan Preece, Sophie Francis; Elinor Snowshill, Hannah Lerwill; Issy Jones, Amy Lawrence, Angharad Kent-McCormack, Lorna Crompton, Sian Williams, Natalie Williams, Megan Snape, Carys John (Capt)
Replacements: Carys Thomas, Becky Newton, Lowri Harries, Vicky Owens, Yasmin Leung, Katie Bevan, Rachel Green, Lisa Newton, Levi Hallett
