WXV Global Series: Inspired Wales Crush South Africa in Eight-Try Rout

WXV Global Series: Inspired Wales Crush South Africa in Eight-Try Rout

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Lynn had urged his squad to play fearlessly, and he showed similar boldness in his selection by switching scrum-half Keira Bevan to fly-half.

The decision quickly delivered results as the home side made an ideal start under the Friday night floodlights, with newly named Welsh Rugby Writers’ player of the year Courtney Keight scoring the opening try.

After Georgia Evans and Tuipulotu gained valuable ground, the ball was moved to Keight on the left flank, where she stepped inside before crossing the line.

A turnover from Kelsey Jones created the opportunity for the second try, as Evans slipped a clever inside pass to Tuipulotu, who powered her way over.

South Africa replied when Felicia Jacobs capitalised on a commanding scrum near Wales’ five-metre line, although it proved to be their only points of a largely one-sided first half.

Former Cardiff City player Amy Williams narrowly missed out on a try after beating the defence to Lisa Neumann’s grubber kick, but Seren Lockwood reached the breakdown first and quickly darted across the line.

The visitors suffered another setback when hooker Lindelwa Gwala received a yellow card for an offside offence during the build-up.

Wales made their numerical advantage count as Maisie Davies used her strength to claim her maiden international try and secure the bonus point.

Despite their commanding position, the hosts were forced to restore their regular half-back combination after Lockwood did not return from a head injury assessment. Bevan moved back to scrum-half, while Lleucu George took over at fly-half.

Those enforced adjustments barely disrupted Wales’ momentum. Freya Bell went close following a five-metre driving lineout before Jones gathered the loose ball and crossed for another try.

South Africa were then reduced to 13 players after lock Danelle Lochner was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle on Kate Williams. The punishment was subsequently upgraded to a 20-minute red card.

That incident set the stage for the standout try of Wales’ opening half. A powerful scrum established the platform before the ball was shifted wide to Neumann, who raced over from her unfamiliar full-back role.

Wales produced a highly efficient first-half performance and went into the interval holding a dominant 38-5 lead.

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