This imaginatively conceived training match at Parc y Scarlets helped both nations in their preparations; Wales for the coming 6 Nations; the Eagles (here named the Falcons as they were not a fully representative side) for the build-up to the World Cup.
But the approach of the two coaches was necessarily different.
Rob Cain was on hand to run his eye over the progress made by players based this season in Ireland and England. He turned up a couple of surprises in players familiar on English soil, Lotte Clapp, a capped Red Rose who takes advantage of the new WR nationality ruling, and Georgie Perris-Redding of Sale Sharks. Both qualify by birth. Even with those two and Tess Feury, plying her trade with Railway Union, the Irish champions, his numbers were limited. He will run his eye over a parallel group of home-based players later in the year in Glendale.
Ioan Cunningham chose to parade no fewer than 32 possibles. That seems a questionable decision so close to the opening round of the 6N. It felt like the cautious approach of a new coach wanting to make sure he wasn’t missing anyone out. Surely by this stage of proceedings he should have a clearer notion of his best options.
The plan started well. Wales moved into a 15-0 lead. Alisha Butchers exploited a line-out turn-over to run to the line. Later Hannah Jones finished a move under the posts. In between Robyn Wilkins potted a penalty. But from there the Falcons came more and more into the game. They were nearly level at half-time, 15-12 down, Hope Rogers and Alycia Washington the try-scorers .
Lleucu George kicked a penalty after the break, but the need to make many changes didn’t help Welsh togetherness. They were still ahead 23-19 well into the second half, but the Falcons pack grew in strength and helped to bring about three decisive tries to Kate Zackary (2) and Alev Kelter. They both had a dominating role in affairs and will prove a handful in New Zealand.
With Elinor Snowsill injured, George took her chance to throw her hat into the ring. She played well in midfield. Of the other (relative) newcomers Donna Rose scored a short-range try, but once more the lack of lasting power up front helped to take the game away from the Welsh. Jasmine Joyce was given very few chances to show her qualities.
Result: Wales 23 USA Falcons 31
Teams
Wales :
1 Gwenllian Pyrs, 2 Kelsey Jones, 3 Cerys Hale, 4 Sisilia Tuipulotu, 5 Gwen Crabb, 6 Alisha Butchers, 7 Alex Callender, 8 Siwan Lillicrap (captain); 9 Keira Bevan, 10 Robyn Wilkins; 11 Jasmine Joyce; 12 Kerin Lake, 13 Hannah Jones, 14 Lisa Neumann, 15 Kayleigh Powell
Bench : Cara Hope, Kat Evans, Carys Phillips, Donna Rose, Jenni Scoble, Natalia John (vice-captain), Liliana Podpadec, Beth Lewis, Manon Johnes, Sioned Harries, Ffion Lewis, Lleucu George, Flo Williams, Caitlin Lewis, Emma Hennessy, Gemma Rowland, Lowri Norkett.
Georgia Evans, Elinor Snowsill and Abbie Fleming were the three contracted players absent injured
USA
1 Hope Rogers, 2 Joanna Kitlinski, 3 Nick James, 4 Alycia Washington, 5 Kristine Sommer, 6 Hallie Taufoou, 7 Georgie Perris-Redding, 8 Kate Zackary (captain); 9 Carly Waters, 10 Katana Howard; 11 Lotte Clapp, 12 Alev Kelter, 13 Bulou Mataitoga, 14 Jennine Detiveaux, 15 Tess Feury
Bench: 16 Allie Schrenker, 17 Catherine Benson, 18 Charli Jacoby, 19 Maya Learned, 20 Jenny Kronish, 21 Olivia Ortiz, 22 Megan Foster
