This was the start of a thrilling three-act play. For once the soupy title “Super Saturday” lived up to its billing.

Lucia Gai appeared first, to celebrate a well-deserved 100 caps.

Two early box-kicks didn’t bode well, and as we look back with hindsight, we can see that the game was more littered with unforced errors than the two that followed. But Italy could occasionally explode into top form.

A good first scrum for Wales showed their strengths. Lleucu George kicked to five metres out. What followed didn’t follow suit. The line-out they drove wasn’t properly set, it crumbled. Then followed a series of rumbles close to the line, spoiled by forwards standing too close and flat to the breakdown to build up a head of steam and drive over. Finally they were held on the line, a knock-on ensued and Italy won the scrum.

At once the game switched to the other end. Fortunately for them, Wales won a relieving penalty.
Their first profitable move came from a short throw-in, allowing Carys Phillips to run a distance. The ball swung left to Carys Cox on the left, who made a break. As the ball came back again, a forward pass undid the good work. All very basic.

But then the Azzurre were caught by surprise. Wales repeated the same line-out manoeuvre, but now Phillips had less far to run – try! 5-0

Could they avoid the ususal immediate riposte? No! After a sudden turnover at a breakdown Alyssa D’Inca fed Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi, who scurried over on the right. 5-7

Despite all her good touches George couldn’t remain faultless; she kicked straight into touch. Gloucester-Hartpury fans will know how often she has done that in the PWR.

Once more Wales ran the ball promisingly down the line to Cox, who made more ground. But as the ball came back, two poor passes spoiled the picture.

Just before the break Beatrice Rigoni won a penalty on the ground – she was sure the verdict had gone against her and protested. When she realised which way the referee’s arm was pointing, she changed her mind and slotted three points.

Half-time: 5-10

It had been messy game thus far, too many unforced errors.

Gai came on at once to warm applause, but Wales started on top, driving at the line. After several
short jabs, Gwenllian Pyrs powered over. Keira Bevan converted. 12-10

The cynic in me wondered: how long till they concede this time? Not yet! But they did mangle a great chance when Hannah Jones quite needelessly pushed a retreating Sara Tounesi to the ground as she chased her own long kick. The referee was watching on, five metres away. What a waste!

It was better news when Bevan kicked a penalty from straight in front. 15-10

Now came the quick response I’d been fearing. Italy reverted to their lightning quick mode for Francesca Granzotto, recently on at 15, to cross the line; a delightful try. 15-15

Most Italy-Wales games turn into nail-biters; this one didn’t disappoint.

Wales looked to have restored their lead with another quick-witted move. Alisha Butchers made a great break, then reappeared to swing left and offer Alex Callender what might have been a scoring pass; she dropped it. The stadium gulped in disbelief. It was such a pity for her; she’d been non-stop activity as usual.

It was gripping stuff, so much at stake. Wales were on top in most facets of play, but the two Italian centres presented a constant menace. The hosts were nearly over three times through their backs, Jenny Hesketh, Lisa Neumann and Cox. Instead, the Azzurre built another fast move; they seemed to be running out of space on the left, but no, Emma Stevanin still managed to get over the line. 15-20
Now they were behind, the Welsh had to stand up and be counted. George helped immensely by picking out a monstrous 50:22 from a narrow angle.

But more agony: Wales pounded at the line. Were they over? It was hard for the referee to know where to position herself. Then came a knock-on (or possibly two?), well inside the 5m line. Georgia Evans had finished over the line with the ball. It was an exceptionally tight decision; Wales argued the toss. The conversation between referee and TMO didn’t seem lucid. Of course Wales were despondent at failing to be given their try.

But then – drama cubed! Wales held a scrum, Gwennan Hopkins made a break; the pack took turns to edge closer in. It was, almost inevitably, Sisilia Tuipulotu who powered over for a score- equalling try. No need to wonder why she hadn’t been replaced! The stadium erupted. 20-20

With Keira Bevan long back on the bench, it fell to George again to score the absolutely vital two points. We could forgive her if her head was full of bad memories of the odd past failure, but she held her nerve, and Wales had their first win of the campaign and their first home win over Italy for an incredible twelve years.

And there were two more games to come, promising just as much heart-stopping drama!

Result: Cymru 22 Italy 20

Teams:

Cymru
15 Jenny Hesketh 14 Lisa Neumann 13 Hannah Jones (captain) 12 Hannah Bluck 11 Carys Cox 10 Lleucu George 9 Keira Bevan 1 Gwenllian Pyrs 2 Carys Phillips 3 Sisilia Tuipulotu 4 Natalia John 5 Abbie Fleming 6 Alisha Butchers 7 Alex Callender 8 Georgia Evans
16 Kelsey Jones 17 Abbey Constable 18 Donna Rose 19 Kate Williams 20 Gwennan Hopkins 21 Sian Jones 22 Niamh Terry 23 Nel Metcalfe

Italy
15 Beatrice Capomaggi 14 Aura Muzzo 13 Alyssa D’Incà 12 Beatrice Rigoni 11 Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi 10 Emma Stevanin 9 Sofia Stefan 1 Silvia Turani 2 Vittoria Vecchini 3 Sara Seye 4 Sara Tounesi 5 Giordana Duca 6 Ilaria Arrighetti 7 Francesca Sgorbini 8 Elisa Giordano (captain)
16 Laura Gurioli 17 Gaia Maris 18 Lucia Gai 19 Valeria Fedrighi 20 Isabella Locatelli 21 Beatrice Veronese 22 Veronica Madia 23 Francesca Granzotto

Officials:
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron (SARU)
ARs Sara Cox (RFU) and Chelsea Gillespie (SRU)

TMO: Rachel Horton (RA)
AB-T equalled Cox’s world record of 38 tests in charge.

Attendance 10, 592, a new record for a women’s game at the Principality.

Afterthoughts

Wales had lost their last seven games, so the question was whether they could stow the bad memories away and reach the standards they knew they were capable of.

After all, they had eleven of their Six Nations squad based at Gloucester-Hartpury, the only unbeaten club in the English PWR. More to the point: why hadn’t they been reproducing that form at international level?

“WRU face second Six Nations disaster in a month” is not the sort of headline to send your confidence soaring as you trot out to face a crucial match. But that is how a leading Welsh website chose to support its women’s team.

It was good to see Rowland Phillips, the former head-coach, in the crowd.

It was do-or-die time for the Welsh.

I hesitate to cast blame in one direction, but I feel the coaches have a lot to answer for. Why were the backs so limited in their attacking options? Why did players mass close to the breakdown without any obvious plan for exploiting the next possession? The team’s total of 33 points in four games leaves them only nine points behind the Scots, but they have won two games, the Welsh none.

How has a team that finished third two years running managed to fall away so dispiritingly? I look to the people in charge.

It wasn’t as if the French were right at the top of their game. They were far superior in most aspects, but once again they couldn’t finish off a beaten team with the ruthlessness you might have expected. Their totals, 38, 15, 38 and this latest, 40, show competence, but not world- beating dominance.

Ioan Cunningham reshaped his starting XV once again, though in the event it looked more like shuffling cards. There is a lack of overall pace in the squad which cannot easily be righted.

Dramatic Opening Moments

The game started well enough for them. France gave up possession, and Anne-Cécile Ciofani, the highly experienced 7s player, but making her debut in 15s, was found guilty of a high tackle in the opening two minutes. During the period she was off the field, (she was allowed to return after a review), Wales showed little awareness of the spaces on offer out wide. They kept the ball close, the pack hammering into collision after collision. In the end Sian Jones box-kicked to clear her own 22.

The French line-out hiccupped early on, but Pauline Bourdon Sansus started a move in deep defence that finished in touch in the Welsh 22. Now Wales went to sleep. It was Lina Queyroi who took a quick line-out, and Annaëlle Deshaye who finished the move with a flourish. All too easy. 0-7

Even worse: Wales moved the ball to the right wing, but from midfield. Catherine Richards had no room to manoeuvre; they brought the ball back to the middle, built a series of thrusts at the line, but like other sides this weekend, couldn’t outwit the defenders. Finally they threw the ball out wide left, where the final pass to Courtney Keight was easily intercepted by Joanna Grisez, another of the 7s returners. She sauntered 95 metres to the line. Nobody had the pace to catch her. 0-14

Once more Wales spread the ball to the right wing, but Richards was tackled into touch. They just couldn’t create space.

Now the French were seen at their best. Teani Feleu, installed today at No 8, picked up at a scrum and broke blind-side down the left. As she met the first defender she passed to Romane Ménager, arriving hotfoot on her right shoulder. Ménager simply accelerated, as her sister would have done if she had been playing centre today, and scored a tearaway try. 0-19

It became noticeable that Wales were attempting flat passes to break defences, but they brought further risk of interception.

On 27 minutes a curious stat popped up: Wales 71% possession, France 29%.

As the break approached, the Welsh tried hard to open the door, but after a sequence of passes and recycles, Lleucu George could do no more than place an inventive grubber through to the left touch-line. Her performances have demonstrated the gulf between even the most successful club in England and international standards. She certainly wasn’t able to get her back-line moving smoothly.

Half-time 0-19

I tried not to imagine what the Welsh coaches were saying to their troops inside. Where could they lay the emphasis? Whatever they did say, it had no effect. The team restarted just as untidily, knock-ons and penalties conceded. Davidson even marched them back 10 metres. Not a good sign.

Forty-five minutes from the start, and no mention yet of Gabrielle Vernier. Not to worry; as the ball is swung left, she cuts a different line and shimmies through to score France’s fifth. 0-26

That is the invaluable bonus ensured.

Sisilia Tuipulotu makes two powerful drives to remind us of better times, but, almost inevitably, a ruck isn’t soundly formed and possession is conceded.

By now Jasmine Joyce, Keira Bevan and Gwennan Hopkins have appeared. Bevan brIngs a shade more incisiveness to the attack, but Joyce’s contributions make you wonder whether trying to mix 7s and 15s is such a good idea. Ciofani has already seen yellow, and Kayleigh Powell can do little to further her claims to the 15 shirt. Only Meg Jones of England has made a strong case for sticking to both targets.

Twelve minutes elapse between France’s fifth and sixth tries. Do we count that as a small plus for Wales? Now it is the captain’s turn to score. She’s on the end of a series of efficient phases, the ball constantly made available to a supporting player. 0-33

Card-lovers are allowed another flourish. Assia Khalfaoui is found guilty of one more high tackle and shown yellow. Can Wales exploit the advantage this time? No.

As the end approaches, they do speed their game up and show enterprise in attack. But as the ball moves right, Joyce drops what looks like an acceptable pass, and all is gloom again.

In deep defence Wales make one more big effort. Good on them. But, horror of horrors, a wild pass under pressure in a set-piece move goes wrong. The ball bounces up neatly into Grisez’ hands and she trots over.

This is to be a game that overruns considerably. To their great credit Wales keep attacking, desperate to get one score on the board. The immediate upshot is a further yellow for Chloë Jacquet in the 82nd minute, as she attempts to intercept a promising pass. No question in Davidson’s mind of a penalty try; but Wales’ cup remains empty.

Result: Cymru 0 France 40 Teams

Cymru

15 Kayleigh Powell 14 *Catherine Richards 13 Hannah Jones (captain) 12 Carys Cox 11 Courtney Keight 10 Lleucu George 9 Sian Jones 1 Gwenllian Pyrs 2 Carys Phillips 3 Sisilia Tuipulotu 4 Abbie Fleming 5 Natalia John 6 Alishia Butchers 7 Alex Callender 8 Georgia Evans

16 Molly Reardon 17 Abbey Constable 18 Donna Rose 19 Kate Williams 20 Gwennan Hopkins 21 Keira Bevan 22 *Mollie Wilkinson 23 Jasmine Joyce

France

15 Emilie Boulard 14 Joanna Grisez 13 Chloë Jacquet 12 Gabrielle Vernier 11 *Anne-Cécile Ciofani 10 Lina Queyroi 9 Pauline Bourdon Sansus 1 Annaëlle Deshaye 2 Agathe Sochat 3 Assia Khalfaoui 4 Manae Feleu (captain) 5 Charlotte Escudero 6 Romane Ménager, 7 Emeline Gros 8 Teani Feleu

16 Elisa Riffonneau 17 Ambre Mwayembe 18 Clara Joyeux 19 Madoussou Fall 20 Gaëlle Hermet 21 22 Lina Tuy 23 Morgane Bourgeois

*uncapped

Officials:

Referee: Hollie Davidson (SRU)
ARs: Clara Munarini (FIR) and Maria Latos (DFB) TMO: Matteo Liperini (FIR)

Table                        W      L      Pts

England                   4        0        20
France                      4       0         19
Scotland                  2        2          8
Italy                          1        3          6
Ireland                     1        3          6
Wales                       0        4          1

Afterthoughts

The risk the French selectors took was to introduce all three of the Sevens players in the group into the starting 15. They had only recently arrived back from Hong Kong. Although Anne-Cécile Ciofani was the top try-scorer for the 7s squad this season (28 tries in 30 matches), she was a raw recruit to the 15s outfit.

But with both the regular centres, Marine Ménager and Nassira Kondé out of action, this was an ideal chance to throw a new three-quarter line together. And there was still Gaby Vernier in the middle to pull the levers.

Sunday 21 April, Cardiff Arms Park

Teams are shown below

The alarming prospect for Wales is a drop from WXV1 to WXV3 within one year. That is the reality of their current position.

They face France at home in Cardiff, a game they can only dream of winning. Then a final test against Italy, also at home, on which an unbearable load depends. We have to assume they will still be winless when the Azzurre come to town. They in turn will have their sights on an all-important third place in the Six Nations.

Not to put too fine a point upon it, Ioan Cunningham has taken the knife to his squad; he has made seven changes. Bethan Lewis, Jasmine Joyce, Jenny Hesketh, Keira Bevan and Kerin Lake all disappear from the starting line-up. That quintet includes players who would have been seen as undroppable till recently.

Two new faces appear: Catherine Richards will start on the wing and Mollie Wilkinson, a fly-half, waits her turn.

Cunningham will have been running through the most sensible steps forward ever since the unwanted reverse in Round One. It was Wales’ misfortune to face England to start their comeback. You could call that second loss the catalyst for the more alarming defeat in Cork. Putting a new-look side together at this stage is hardly a recipe for success, but the management must have found this the only sensible response.

The end of the tournament no longer means a break till the next one. The new global WXV makes a failing team pay for its earlier performances.

Their results thus far:

v Scotland 18-20
v England 10-46
v Ireland 5-36

France

The team the French co-coaches have picked shows all too clearly what they think of the opposition. They send Madoussou Fall to the bench, where I suspect she’ll stay till a late hour. In her place Charlotte Escudero is shunted forward to the second row. Just as surprising, while bringing Tinea Feleu into the starting XV at Number 8, they move Romane Ménager to the blind side. Her sister, now the vice-captain, is also saved up for a rainy day.

The other major alteration sees the return of three Sevens players, Chloé Jacquet (centre), Anne-Cécile Ciofani and Joanna Grisez (both on the wing). This is further confirmation of French belief in marrying the two squads as closely as possible.

It will be fascinating to see how far this starting fifteen will be retained for next week’s match.

The French equivalent to the English Inside Line is ‘Âmes Soeurs’, or ‘Soul Sisters’. It follows the team to the Italy game. All is sweetness and light, except for the pain of fitness sessions and final fortissimo tirades from the two coaches in turn.

Teams

Wales

15 Kayleigh Powell 14 *Catherine Richards 13 Hannah Jones (captain) 12 Carys Cox 11 Courtney Keight 10 Lleucu George 9 Sian Jones 1 Gwenllian Pyrs 2 Carys Phillips 3 Sisilia Tuipulotu 4 Abbie Fleming 5 Natalia John 6 Alishia Butchers 7 Alex Callender 8 Georgia Evans

16 Molly Reardon 17 Abbey Constable 18 Donna Rose 19 Kate Williams 20 Gwennan Hopkins 21 Keira Bevan 22 *Mollie Wilkinson 23 Jasmine Joyce

France

15 Emilie Boulard 14 Joanna Grisez 13 Chloë Jacquet 12 Gabrielle Vernier 11 Anne-Cécile Ciofani 10 Lina Queyroi 9 Pauline Bourdon Sansus 1 Annaëlle Deshayes 2 Agathe Sochat 3 Assia Khalfaoui 4 Manae Feleu (captain) 5 Charlotte Escudero 6 Romane Ménager, 7 Emeline Gros 8 Teani Feleu

16 Elisa Riffonneau 17 Ambre Mwayembe 18 Clara Joyeux 19 Madoussou Fall 20 Gaëlle Hermet 21 22 Lina Tuy 23 Morgane Bourgeois

Officials:

Referee: Hollie Davidson (SRU)
ARs: Clara Munarini (FIR) and Maria Latos (DFB)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (FIR)

Coverage

BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app from 15.00 to17.15

The neutral observer could only sympathise with her. The team simply wasn’t being given the support they had a right to expect.

It was a similar story for Hannah Jones after the recent Ireland match. A convincing win 31-5 in 2023 had dissolved into a 36-5 loss in 2024. Post-match she was disarmingly honest, saying the team simply wasn’t playing well enough.

In the four years between those two interviews, Cymru seemed to be on the mend; contracts were in place, board membership was changed radically, twice they came third in the Six Nations and qualified for WXV1. Who could want more? Well, supporters who were half expecting three wins out of three in New Zealand could. It now transpires that the experience of mixing it with the top dogs in the kennel (Australia, Canada, New Zealand) was not a recipe for ongoing success.

Public Property

The women’s game has become public property as never before. So opinions have been thrown at the Welsh team and management from all corners.

The weaknesses of Welsh rugby affect far more than the women’s team alone. The WRU is suffering from a lack of funding that is seen as due to unwise governance at the top. Men are leaving their national side in droves for a better paid future abroad.

For the women the lack of a strong home-based league is a central issue. Ioan Cunningham, himself under fire, has said he has told the board that a strong reformed league is an urgent priority. It is a nonsense that nearly all Cymru’s best players have to play abroad (that is, in England) to achieve the playing standards they know they need. Even with the best will in the world, this sensible move cannot mature for a long while.

The terms offered to the test players would need to be more enticing than what they are already receiving across the bridge – and that is not necessarily a fortune.

Younger players, not spotted or required by PWR clubs, are left in a wilderness. Calling Gwennan Hopkins, Molly Reardon and Sian Jones on to the bench (Jones started against England) for a 6N match is asking a great deal. Where do they learn their trade? Under the present set-up they have the brief Celtic Challenge programme and the Under 20s. That they have achieved so much against the big guns is a great credit to them, but it’s an unequal challenge.

In his defence Cunningham makes the contrast between his squad and England and France; the public shouldn’t expect too much. But the public responds by questioning their performances against Ireland and Scotland, who are in a very similar position to them.

Next on the schedule come France, whom they haven’t beaten since 2016. Then the crunch will come with another home game against Italy. If they fail to beat them, it will mean a wooden spoon to match the one gained by their menfolk in their 2024 Six Nations.

Others have phrased the position more pithily than me. Walesonline’s headline reads: ‘Wales Women heading for Six Nations disaster.’ I’m not sure that will help to fill the players’ sails.

The most remarkable of all the results so far. Ireland played like souls possessed, to leave the Welsh looking distraught.

Scott Bemand’s side showed a conviction and fluency we haven’t seen in a long while. Their last win, back in WXV3, was a hard-fought slog. This one – for most of the game at least – was silky smooth.

The opening moments gave no hint of what was to come. Carys Phillips came close to the line but got isolated; penalty Ireland. Then, as Aoife Wafer completed the second of two powerful drives, you could sense the confidence flooding through Irish veins.

By the way, check through your personal Lions’ squad to check her name is there. If it isn’t, slip it in and claim it was a momentary oversight. Hers was a performance of Kabeya-like intensity.

Matching her was was Dannah O‘Brien, who surpassed Lleucu George’s power and accuracy with the boot, and got her line running well. Also Aoibheann Reilly, who outplayed Keira Bevan, a rare achievement.

From an accurate line-out the Irish spread the ball left and right, for Wafer to power over for the opening score. O’Brien had no trouble converting into a cross-wind. 7-0

Next Reilly made a telling break through midfield. It all started from a remarkable line-out steal by Edel McMahon, the returning co-captain. Two phases later Eve Higgins was over for Ireland’s second helping. 14-0

The concern I’d felt about Wales’ line-out efficiency now proved valid. O’Brien profited with another ground-eating kick to the corner. Wales just managed to stop Higgins, but at the cost of a 5-metre penalty. The following line-out worked perfectly. Sam Monaghan started it, Neve Jones completed it. 21-0, and under a half-hour played.

If you managed to blink seven times at the right moments during the game, you would have seen every Irish pass – good, unexpected or indifferent – cleanly taken by the receiver. That’s what confidence can do for a team.

When Wafer made a tird huge break, you sensed you already knew who the Player of the Match would be. And you were right. Every nation hunts for youngsters who take to the International stage as if they really belong. She was one; the two half-backs matched her in quality.

Half-time 21-0

The second half began equally badly for the Welsh. Jenny Hesketh called a mark in defence, but her kick miscued badly, O’Brien returned the ball to Wales’ left-hand corner. From there George’s clearance kick was charged down by Katie Corrigan, who ran the ball in. She disappeared under a forest of congratulatory arms. 28-0

To show the state the visitors were in, the drop-out failed to reach 10 metres; the follow-up was a choice of two penalties. The Irish wisely opted for a kick from in front, O’Brien obliging once more. 31-0

On 48 minutes Scott Bemand removed Monaghan from the fray, mindful of the coming contest at Twickenham. Dorothy Wall took over her role, winning line-outs and making strong thrusts through Welsh lines.

Ireland had one more shot in their locker. Outstanding hands gave Béibhinn Parsons the chance to remind us of her qualities. The final pass was given by Wafer! 36-0

To Wales’ credit they now put together some of their best possession of the game. Their one new name, Gwenan Hopkins, at once showed her qualities, scoring their one try to remove the dreaded 0 against their name on the scoreboard. But it was scant reward.

Result: Ireland 36 Wales 5

Player of the Match: Aoife Wafer

Teams

Ireland

15 Lauren Delany 14 Katie Corrigan 13 Eve Higgins 12 Enya Breen 11 Béibhinn Parsons 10 Dannah O’Brien 9 Aoibheann Reilly 1 Linda Djougang 2 Neve Jones 3 Christy Haney 4 Dorothy Wall 5 Sam Monaghan (co-captain) 6 Aoife Wafer 7 Edel McMahon (co-captain) 8 Brittany Hogan
16 Clíodhna Moloney 17 Niamh O’Dowd 18 Sadhbh McGrath 19 Fiona Tuite 20 *Shannon Ikahihifo 21 Molly Scuffil-McCabe 22 Nicole Fowley 23 Aoife Dalton
*uncapped

Wales

15 Jenny Hesketh 14 Jasmine Joyce 13 Hannah Jones (captain) 12 Kerin Lake 11 Carys Cox 10 Lleucu George 9 Keira Bevan 1 Gwenllian Pyrs 2 Carys Phillips 3 Sisilia Tuipulotu 4 Abbie Fleming 5 Georgia Evans 6 Alisha Butchers 7 Alex Callender 8 Bethan Lewis
16 Molly Reardon 17 Abbey Constable 18 Donna Rose 19 Natalia John 20 *Gwennan Hopkins 21 Sian Jones 22 Kayleigh Powell 23 Courtney Keight
*uncapped

Referee: Sara Cox (RFU) Virgin Media Park, Cork

Afterthoughts

Welsh reactions have been loud and numerous. Who’s at fault? Fingers point at the WRU, the Welsh game in general, desperately short of funding, the head coach, Ioan Cunningham, and so on. Few can offer constructive answers.

Hannah Jones, tasked with one of a captain’s least pleasant duties – having to talk to the media after a losing match – placed the blame on herself and her fellow-players. They must do better. That was a brave, if not entirely justified response. The team have now lost to both their fellow Celtic sides, and France lie in wait.

There are two Saturday games this weekend

Scotland v France, The Hive, Edinburgh; KO 14.15 Teams

Scotland

15 Meryl Smith 14 Rhona Lloyd 13 Emma Orr 12 Lisa Thomson 11 Coreen Grant 10 Helen Nelson 9 Caity Mattinson 1 Leah Bartlett 2 Elis Martin 3 Christine Belisle 4 Emma Wassell 5 Louise McMillan 6 Rachel Malcolm (captain) 7 Alex Stewart 8 Evie Gallagher

16 Molly Wright 17 Lisa Cockburn 18 Elliann Clarke 19 *Fiona McIntosh 20 Eva Donaldson 21 Mairi McDonald 22 *Nicole Flynn 23 Chloe Rollie
* uncapped

France

15 Emilie Boulard 14 *Kelly Arbey 13 Nassira Konde 12 Gabrielle Vernier 11 Marine Ménager 10 Lina Queyroi 9 Pauline Bourdon Sansus 1 Annaëlle Deshayes 2 Agathe Sochat 3 Assia Khalfaoui 4 Manae Feleu (captain) 5 Madoussou Fall 6 Axelle Berthoumieu 7 Gaëlle Hermet 8 Romane Ménager

16 Manon Bigot 17 Ambre Mwayembe 18 Clara Joyeux 19 Charlotte Escudero 20 Emeline Gros 21 Alex Chambon 22 Lina Tuy 23 Morgane Bourgeois

A Sign of the Times

A clear indication of Scotland’s recent advance comes with Bryan Easson’s latest selection. One of his most celebrated players, Chloe Rollie, has to wait her turn again on the bench. So strong is the competition in some positions that Francesca McGie would not have regained her place on the wing, if she had been fit. Coreen Grant’s performance in Cardiff assured her of her place. Likewise, Alex Stewart’s debut was so promising that she remains first choice on the flank.

Whether that will be enough to get the team closer to a win in Edinburgh is another matter. For the moment they are living the dream: seven consecutive victories (an all-time record) and sixth place in world rankings (a second all-time record).

It’s said a wounded animal is even more dangerous, and les Bleues haven’t been at their best for quite a while. Sure, they came away with a decisive win against the Irish in Le Mans, but most of the plaudits went to the losing side.

The French selectors have made minimal changes. Axelle Berthoumieu replaces Charlotte Escudero on the blind-side; Kelly Arbey retains her place on the wing. On the bench Manon Bigot of Blagnac replaces Elisa Riffonneau at hooker. She was one of the 18 forwards called up for extra training sessions at Marcoussis.

So the message is: ‘Steady as she goes’, plus an urgent plea to ensure they get on top of the opposition straight away and stay there.

England v Wales, Ashton Gate, Bristol; KO 16.45 Teams

England

15 Ellie Kildunne 14 Abby Dow 13 Meg Jones 12 Tatyana Heard 11 Jess Breach 10 Holly Aitchison 9 Mo Hunt 1 Hannah Botterman 2 Lark Atkin-Davies 3 Maud Muir 4 Zoe Aldcroft 5 Rosie Galligan 6 Sadia Kabeya 7 Marlie Packer (captain) 8 Alex Matthews

16 Connie Powell 17 Mackenzie Carson 18 Kelsey Clifford 19 Abbie Ward 20 Maddie Feaunati 21 Lucy Packer 22 Zoe Harrison 23 Sydney Gregson

Cymru

15 Jenny Hesketh 14 Jasmine Joyce 13 Hannah Jones (captain) 12 Kerin Lake 11 Carys Cox 10 Lleucu George 9 Sian Jones 1 Gwenllian Pyrs 2 Carys Phillips, 3 Donna Rose 4 Abbie Fleming 5 Georgia Evans 6 Kate Williams 7 Alex Callender 8 Bethan Lewis

16 Kelsey Jones 17 Abby Constable 18 Sisilia Tuipulotu 19 Natalia John 20 Alisha Butchers 21 Keira Bevan 22 Kayleigh Powell 23 Nel Metcalfe

Take your ear-plugs

A crowd of over 18,000 is promised at Ashton Gate, new English record away from HQ.

I’m glad to say I got most of my English choices right. I just thought John Mitchell might want to save his front door being hammered down by a few thousand west countryfolk demanding Emma Sing’s inclusion at 15. The three who returned from long-term injuries (Scarratt, Harrison and Ward) all move to the bench. If Sydney Gregson gets game-time, it will be her first appearance for nine years.

It will be Zoe Aldcroft’s fiftieth cap; congratulations to her. She’s the sort of player you prefer to see in your side rather than the opposition’s.

The backs offer yet another centre-combination (Jones and Heard); almost impossible to count up the variations of the last few years. One prime task for them is to ensure the wingers are given the ball with an inch of space. Last time out it didn’t happen.

The post-match news from Parma centred mostly on Sarah Beckett’s red card. Head coach Mitchell added his name to the few who defended her. Other opinions offered less consolation. Giovanni Raineri called the tackle dangerous.

It’s a pity that women’s rugby is coming to look more like other team sports where coaches and managers automatically side with their own player, whatever the evidence.

You could call Ioan Cunningham’s strategy rotational: he has made six changes. Or you could say he is facing facts. So players you and I might have written down first, like Keira Bevan and Sisilia Tuipulotu, wait their turn. Of course, if England play their 40-minute game once more, the introduction of those two players in the second half could be even more productive.

The Welsh know they didn’t do themselves justice at the Arms Park. It was a narrow defeat, but a defeat nonetheless. They are unlikely to be able to sort matters out straight away – it’s nine years since they last beat the English – but Ioan Cunningham must find a way of planning a tournament-long recovery programme for his charges. Over the past two years they have proved the best of the pack chasing the two leaders, England and France.

After the mid-tournament break they are away to Ireland, then home to France and Italy. It will be a hard slog for them to retain that third place.

The Sports Management and Coaching student, who is supported by a Trendell Sports Scholarship, played the full 80 minutes at full-back as Wales narrowly lost 20-18, only being denied a draw by a last-minute missed conversion.

Hesketh, who plays her club rugby for Bristol Bears in the Allianz Premiership, had previously captained England at U20 level before switching allegiance to her mother’s homeland. She has also played for the University women’s 1st team and, this season, has been working with the club off the pitch as a mentor, coach and supporter.

Maria Crowfoot, Head Coach of the University of Bath Women’s Rugby Club, said: “Everyone at the club is delighted to see Jenny earn her first international cap. She has been an integral part of the university club, volunteering her time to assist with training and matches.

“Her insight is so valuable and, being a current player, she is able to pass on up-to-date knowledge and insight, helping to develop our backline and our back three in particular. Pob lwc Jenny!”

Ahead of Saturday’s match, Wales Women Head Coach Ioan Cunningham said: “Jenny has been excellent in our environment, great playing for Bristol as well when we have watched her and she brings a different dynamic to our back three. Her skill set is excellent, footwork is really good and she kicks the ball well. We are hoping she enjoys and relishes the opportunity.”

Hesketh is joined in the wider Wales Women’s Six Nations squad by fellow Bristol Bears player Mollie Wilkinson, who studies International Development with Economics at the University.

Their selections continue an impressive winter of representation for University students in the Six Nations, with Sports Performance student Archie Griffin making his senior Wales men’s debut against England at Twickenham.

Fellow BUCS Super Rugby players Scott Kirk, Billy Sela (both England), Ludo Kolade, Murdoch Lock (both Scotland), Ieuan Davies and Louie Hennessey (both Wales) all featured in the U20 Six Nations.

Visit teambath.com/rugby to find out more about combining study and rugby at the University of Bath.

With thanks to Team Bath

This was the game that would tell us so much about the way the 6N was heading.

The Scots hadn’t beaten the Welsh on Welsh soil for 20 years, and a large crowd turned out hoping to see them fail again. They cheered when Keira Bevan struck an early penalty (3-0), but Bryan Easson had suggested playing at 100 mph. His team reacted accordingly. At every turn they went for the quick option, Caity Mattinson constantly looking for the tap and go; turnovers were shifted away speedily from the breakdown point.

If you can remember the last time Scottish backs moved the ball fast and smoothly in the 6N, you have a better memory than me. It was great to watch.

A wonderful attack saw the ball spun left to Coreen Grant. She had too much pace for the covering defence and was over. Helen Nelson converted. 3-7

This pressure brought one old Welsh failing back into prominence: penalties. After three in thirteen minutes, they shipped a fourth on their own 5-metre line. Nelson added three points. 3-10

It was wonderful seeing such pacy backs on view. On 18 minutes we had a thrilling passage of play; another turnover gave Grant a second chance on the left, but this time Jas Joyce got back to chop her down.

One Scottish weakness was all too familiar, the line-out throw. The analysts will estimate for us how many points they left unscored as a result. But another strong Scottish attack was halted only by a Beth Lewis turnover close to her line.

It was end-to-end stuff; exciting for the spectator – especially the neutral – but for the coaches it much have been hair-whitening time. Chances at both ends, but the only addition to the score was another Bevan penalty just before the lemons.

Half-time: 6-10

At least the Scots had proved to themselves that they were at least the equals of the opposition. They were holding the power of the Welsh scrum in check, and had shown more penetration than the opposition out behind. But now they would face the wind and what remained of the bright sun. (Note for the Tourist Board: blue skies over Cardiff; rain at Le Mans).

They got off to the best possible start. Emma Orr made a glorious outside break running right; she timed a perfect pass to Rhona Lloyd who skipped out of a last despairing tackle. 6-17

But when Lisa Thomson kicked deep into Welsh territory, she was forgetting that wind. The return kick left her side defending. Rachel Malcolm received a warning from Clara Munarini for repeated infringements close to the line. They paid the penalty with a try to the unstoppable Sisilia Tuipulotu, who started and finished a drive from 5 metres out. 13-17

Worse still, Lana Skeldon suffered an injury that caused a lengthy hold-up, but fortunately she was able to hobble off the field to applause.

To show how the Scottish approach has improved since last year, they went straight back on attack, and when given the penalty option, went for the corner, rather than aim at the posts from in front. With hindsight, they may think differently next time the same situation arises.

The result now was an endless series of thuds at the line. They have learned the value of patience – no white-line fever here – but neither could they produce the vital breakthrough. Something else for the coaches to work on. And in the process Sarah Bonar had to retire with what looked like a damaged shoulder.

The good news for them was that they kept up the pressure, enough for Nelson to accept another three-point penalty. 13-20.

Six minutes left, and the Welsh just seven points adrift. Now it all happens. They regain territory to endanger the Scottish line. A Welsh cross-kick just fails to find its mark, but they have penalty advantage. In the process, the debutant flanker, Alex Stewart, sees yellow. She has put herself about to good effect, but now has to watch and pray.

Three minutes left, and the TMO is called up for a first adjudication: try or no try? The ref’s verdict is try! After a close look the verdict is indeed a try to Alex Callender. 18-20. Now the 80 minutes are up, and Bevan has long since left the field. So it’s Lleucu George to take the kick from the left. The whole of the Principality holds its breath; the kick fades right. The Scots have won.

So it’s yet another victory for the Thistles, and a first in in rhe Welsh capital. Joy mingles with relief. It’s what you call a close-run thing.

Result: Cyrmu 18 Scotland 20

The Teams

Cymru

15 *Jenny Hesketh 14 Jasmine Joyce 13 Hannah Jones 12 Kerin Lake 11 *Nel Metcalfe 10 Lleucu George 9 Keira Bevan 1 Gwenllian Pyrs 2 Kelsey Jones 3 Sisilia Tuipulotu 4 Natalia John 5 Abbie Fleming 6 Alisha Butchers 7 Alex Callender 8 Bethan Lewis

16 Carys Phillips 17 Abbey Constable 18 Donna Rose 19 Georgia Evans 20 Kate Williams 21 Sian Jones 22 Niamh Terry 23 Carys Cox
*uncapped

Scotland

15 Meryl Smith 14 Rhona Lloyd 13 Emma Orr 12 Lisa Thomson 11 Coreen Grant 10 Helen Nelson 9 Caity Mattinson 1 Leah Bartlett 2 Lana Skeldon 3 Christine Belisle 4 Emma Wassell 5 Sarah Bonar 6 Rachel Malcolm (captain( 7 *Alex Stewart 8 Evie Gallagher

16 Elis Martin 17 Molly Wright 18 Elliann Clarke 19 Louise McMillan 20 Rachel McLachlan 21 Mairi McDonald 22 Shona Campbell 23 Chloe Rollie
*uncapped

Referee: Clara Munarini
Player of the Match: Coreen Grant

Afterthoughts

Scotland had suffered ten consecutive away losses in the 6N; but now it is seven wins on the trot. An extraordinary turnaround.

Helen Nelson’s 100% success rate with the boot was central to Scotland’s success. Chloe Rollie did appear for the last few minutes; she hadn’t played since January.

The worries return for Wales. Though they came very close, their second-half performance wasn’t commanding enough to deserve victory.

She offers a pattern that we have seen before with players like Carys Williams-Morris (Wales) and Caity Mattinson (Scotland). England is so well stocked that any player with the option of selecting another country will think she has a far better chance of gaining (or retaining) a coveted cap. It doesn’t always work out so favourably, as Clara Nielson discovered when she opted for Ireland. She has Neve Jones and Cliodhna Moloney blocking her path as hooker.

One detail to come out of these extended squads is how many newcomers will selectors introduce after promising performances in the Celtic Challenge? In Wales’ case only Shona Wakley and Rebecca De Filippo are added to the strength. De Filippo is merely returning after a long absence from the scene. She first wore the red shirt twelve years ago and has gained a score of caps; and Wakley (maybe better known as Powell-Hughes) comes back similarly from a two-year absence.

That means one of two things: either the selectors weren’t all that impressed by the uncapped players in Brython and Gwalia’s squads, or they feel they already have quite enough talent on tap.

Two missing faces are Jasmine Joyce (no surprise, the Olympics beckon) and Sioned Harries, who might see her No 8 berth offered to Wakley. Kayleigh Powell goes missing too. Tess Evans hails from Queensland’s Gold Coast, but represented Gwalia in the Celtic Challenge.

47 is a tidy number to deal with, no matter how many sessions you manage to fit in. But it does help the coaches to have ample playing numbers for all the various sectional practices needed. Whether it’s scrummaging or line-out or fancy moves by the backs, it’s important to have a full cast in action. And some lucky people will find themselves clutching tackle-bags for lengthy periods.

Now we’ll see how many each of the other five nations start their preparations with.

The squad:

Backs: Nel Metcalfe, Lisa Neumann, Hannah Jones, Hannah Bluck, Carys Cox, Lleucu George, Keira Bevan, Courtney Keight, Carys Williams-Morris, Meg Webb, Kerin Lake, Robyn Wilkins, Meg Davies, Amelia Tutt, Niamh Terry, Ffion Lewis, Jenny Hesketh, Kelsey Webster, Rebecca De Filippo, Cath Richards, Sian Jones, Ellie Tromans
(22)

Forwards: Gwenllian Pyrs, Carys Phillips, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Abbie Fleming, Georgia Evans, Kate Williams, Alex Callender, Bethan Lewis, Abbey Constable, Kelsey Jones, Donna Rose, Natalia John, Gwen Crabb, Alisha Butchers, Cerys Hale, Bryonie King, Chloe Thomas-Bradley, Molly Reardon, Jenni Scoble, Alaw Pyrs, Maisie Davies, Tess Evans, Gwennan Hopkins, Shona Wakley, Cadi-Lois Davies
(25)

It’s a sad fact that Wales didn’t deserve to win this tight match. Once more cards played a central role. Siokapesi Palu was shown a red, the fourth of the tournament, for jumping into Jasmine Joyce with a dangerous shoulder-to-head tackle. After half-time Sera Naiqama was dismissed for ten minutes for pulling down a driving maul.

For the umpteenth time it was 15 v 13, and yet Wales failed to exploit this advantage. Their penalty count reached eight by the break and went on mounting afterwards. The Wallaroos were far more skilful in their handling, off-loads adding dozens of metres to their attacks.

It took them a quarter-of-an-hour to make their mark. Maya Stewart finished a delightful move on the right. The Welsh had conceded a series of infringements and the defence was caught too narrow once more.

They countered with a successful drive, Carys Phillips claiming the try converted by Keira Bevan, but Bethan Lewis at once dropped the kick-off to concede possession and territory. The direct result was a Carys Dallinger penalty that nudged the Wallaroos in front again.

Half-time: Australia 8 Wales 7

Now came the error by Palu which should have sealed Australia’s fate. It didn’t. Wales’ forward rumbles tended to finish with players losing their footing; the backs couldn’t exploit the numbers advantage that was permanently on offer.

Lleucu George tried several testing cross-kicks. One demanded a review by the TMO; did Wales get the touchdown? Answer no.

But now they were getting on top. A threatening drive was brought down; Hollie Davidson ran under the posts and Naiqama was off for ten minutes.

This was surely the crucial stretch of the game, but the Welsh simply couldn’t take full control. All too often possession was conceded, and Wallaroo thrusts were not stopped efficiently enough.

A delightful chip and catch led to yet another penalty, and Eva Karpani, who had already scored a hat-trick in the series, powered through tackles to score. Given the shape of the game, it should have been her opposite number, Sisilia Tuipulotu, scoring at the other end, but no.

Lori Cramer added to Wales’ misery by scoring another try to give her side breathing space. 20-14

On 58 minutes Naiqama returned; the Australians had restored their lead without her help.

Cymru responded with another pack drive, but, as so often, it wasn’t solidly formed, and they were pinged for holding on as they went to ground.

Dallinger sent another cross-kick into the right corner. Arms reached high, but no-one could claim it cleanly. Most unusually, the ball finished deep in-goal, looking very lonely and unloved. Cramer was the first to arrive to claim a very soft try. Where was the Welsh defence this time?

More fine handling saw Ivania Wong breeze over on the left with an overlap. How was that possible? Wales were barely clinging on. Their anxiety led to more rash options and unforced errors. Sad to say, they were reverting to the heads-down performances of three years ago, when they had every reason to feel unloved and ignored.

They regained confidence as the minutes ticked by; Kelsey Jones added their third try with three minutes left on the clock. Perhaps it was inevitable that George’’s conversion hit the left post and pranged back. Success would have meant another Welsh try wouldn’t need to be converted.

The closing moments were as tense as you please, but Aussie determination stayed firm to leave Wales winless in the series; they have never yet beaten the Wallaroos.

If the same set of results pertained next year, they would find themselves condemned to relegation.

Result: Australia 25 Wales 19
Player of the Match: Kaitlan Leaney

Teams:

Australia: 1 Brianna Hoy, 2 Tania Naden, 3 Eva Karpani, 4 Sera Naiqama, 5 Michaela Leonard (captain), 6 Siokapesi Palu, 7 Emily Chancellor, 8 Kaitlan Leaney, 9 Layne Morgan, 10 Carys Dallinger, 11 Ivania Wong, 12 Arabella McKenzie, 13 Georgina Friedrichs, 14 Maya Stewart, 15 Faitala Moleka

Bench: 16 Adiana Talakai, 17 Bree-Anna Cheatham, 18 Bridie O’Gorman, 19 Atasi Lafai, 20 Ashley Marsters, 21 Jasmin Huriwai, 22 Cecilia Smith, 23 Lori Cramer

Wales: 15. Jasmine Joyce, 14. Lisa Neumann, 13. Hannah Jones (captain), 12. Hannah Bluck,
11. Carys Cox, 10. Lleucu George, 9. Keira Bevan, 1. Gwenllian Pyrs, 2. Carys Phillips, 3. Sisilia Tuipulotu, 4. Abbie Fleming, 5. Georgia Evans, 6. Kate Williams, 7. Alex Callender, 8. Bethan Lewis

Bench: 16. Kelsey Jones, 17. Abbey Constable, 18. Cerys Hale, 19. Alisha Butchers, 20. Sioned Harries, 21. Meg Davies, 22. Robyn Wilkins, 23. Keryn Lake

Officials:

Referee: Hollie Davidson (SRU)
ARs: Sara Cox (RFU) and Tiana Anderson (NZR)
TMO: Ian Tempest (RFU)