Wales Women have arrived in Cape Town, South Africa for the WXV 2 competition, which will see them compete against Australia, Italy and Japan. Following their relegation from WXV 1, captain Hannah Jones looks forward to the challenge. In an exclusive interview with SportsBoom Hannah Jones discusses the WXV2.
WXV2 Preparation
At the back end of the Six Nations where they finished a disappointing sixth place and falling to 10th in the World Rugby rankings, Wales managed to secure a spot in WXV 2 after beating Spain in a June play-off. They played two warm-up matches against Australia and Scotland, where they beat the Wallaroos for the first time in seven attempts 31-24 and lost 40-14 to Scotland.
“Preparation has been brilliant, we have had two warm-up games in Wales. We played Scotland a few weeks ago, where we were able to get a few new players in with caps and players from the u20s system, game time for certain players. Then we played Australia last Friday, where we got the win close to the end with a try,” Jones told SportsBoom.com.
“Overall it was a good experience going into this weekend with another game against Australia. We do have work on’s but there are exciting areas where we will be looking to take into that first game.”
Olympic Stars included in Wales squad
Wales named a 30-player squad which features 2 players who represented team Great Britain Jasmine Joyce and Kayleigh Powell for sevens in the recent Olympic Games held in France.
“These are brilliant players on and off the field and worked extremely hard to get into the Olympic team in Paris. They definitely bring a good energy and rugby knowledge to the 15s game.”
Hooker Dilemma
Hooker Rosie Carr had originally been named in the Wales 30-player squad but unfortunately suffered a shoulder injury against Australia and has been ruled out of the tournament. This leaves the squad with only two recognised hookers, the experienced former captain Carys Philipps and Molly Reardon with just caps.
“Unfortunately injuries happen in a contact sport and we have prepared with the hookers we have and I am sure there is some back-up within the squad. It’s not just the two hookers, we will be looking and more options as well.”
Expectations from WXV 2 opponents
Australia
“They are a very good side, we saw that last weekend. I am sure they will be raring to go and get one up from us. Obviously we beat them the last time we faced them and they will be focusing on a win, in the first game.”
Italy
“I love playing Italy, we played them last time in the Six Nations at our home stadium the Principality [Stadium]. You never know what they will throw at you and its some exciting rugby they play. It will definitely a fun game to play.”
Japan
“Personally I have never played Japan myself, I know they came over to Wales and toured. I know one of the Centres [Kanako Kobayashi] plays in the Premiership [PWR] for Exeter and will be excited to go up against her with her Japanese jersey.”
Callender wins Welsh Rugby Player of the Year
Prior to departing for Cape Town, Back Rower Alex Callender was named Wales Rugby Writers’ Association player of the Year. She edged out Jones, who won back-to-back titles with Gloucester-Hartpury and three time Olympian Jasmine Joyce. Jones had some praises for Callender on the achievement.
“Alex is a quality player and worked really hard to get where she is today. She is moving to Harlequins now and that move is a step in the right direction for her. Alex has got some great qualities in terms of her work rate and an exciting player who loves to jackal turnover. She loves the dark work which is never really recognised and an also exciting player with ball in hand.”
Cape Town
The Wales side will be in Cape Town for the next three weekends. Jones expressed what she is most looking forward to in the city.
“I know South Africa is a fun and rugby loving community and that is something fantastic we definty want to experience. In terms of the rugby side, we just looking to build from our previous performances with the warm-up games leading into now and we do also have the Six Nations coming up so hopefully we got the performances we want.”
With thanks to SportsBoom
