Wales snuck an 18-15 win against Scotland on their Women’s Rugby World Cup return in a tight contest in Whangarei on Sunday.
In a tightly contested encounter, Wales replacement back Keira Bevan was her team’s match-winner as she slotted a penalty after the full-time hooter had sounded.
Scotland will be kicking themselves as they did well to be competitive for long periods but they failed to capitalise on their point-scoring opportunities with poor goal-kicking leading to their downfall.
Alisha Butchers opened the scoring for Wales in the sixth minute, crashing over for a try converted by Eleanor Snownsill, who also added a penalty after 13 minutes.
Scotland began to grow into the game and eventually found their way over the line in the 29th minute thanks to a Lara Skeldon try from the back of the maul.
Wales, however, would have the last say before half-time, with Kayleigh Powell finishing off a beautiful strike move to give her side momentum going into the break.
A Wales yellow card for Cara Hope opened the door for Scotland, who obliged through wing Megan Gaffney’s unconverted try.
After a long defensive effort, it was Gaffney who would complete her brace with the conversion missed again with the inaccuracy from the tee proved costly on the day.
Strong win for Canada
Canada started their Women’s Rugby World Cup campaign with a strong 41-5 win over Japan in their opening game of the tournament.
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Wing Paige Farries got Canada off the mark after just two minutes for an unconverted try before Japanese second-row Make Takano scored a try of her own only three minutes later.
Canada responded again, scoring a converted try through hooker Emily Tuttosi which was converted by scrum-half Briana Miller, who also crossed the line 16 minutes before halftime.
Tuttosi and Miller added another try each before half-time to give Canada a strong 27-5 lead at the break.
The hooker only took 10 minutes in the second half to strike again as she completed a hat-trick before their seventh try was scored by replacement Mikiela Nelson including conversions from captain Sophie De Goede for the final two tries.
Italy down the USA
Italy also enjoyed a promising start to their World Cup campaign as they claimed a 22-10 win over the USA in their opening game.
The USA started well, with second-row Hallie Taufoou crashing over for an unconverted try early on in the clash.
The Italians were slow out of the blocks but grew into the clash and scored a converted try through full-back Ostuni Minuzzi to take a 7-5 lead into half-time.
Wing Aura Muzzo was on hand for Italy in the 50th minute as she went over for an unconverted try before USA’s second-row Jenny Kronish scored their second try of the Test.
Late in the game, Muzzo completed her brace with a sparkling run while Maria Magatti got in on the action to score Italy’s bonus-point try.