Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Women's Six Nations: Wales enjoy perfect start with two wins from two

Written by 
Published in Rugby
Saturday, 01 April 2023 21:16

Wales have enjoyed another storming start to the Women's Six Nations, echoing their 2022 exploits with two bonus-point wins from two.

Ioan Cunningham's side backed up a convincing 31-5 victory at home against Ireland before coming away from Scotland with a hard-fought 34-22 win.

The results equal Wales' start last year when they beat the same opposition - but they will be hopeful of a better second half after the tournament's fallow week.

Wales suffered heavy defeats to England and France last year before Italy spoiled the party in Cardiff, but they still managed to finish third in their first year with professional players.

Now with double the number of contracts, they will be looking to back up their opening victories, starting with the Red Roses at Cardiff Arms Park on 15 April, where another record crowd is anticipated.

"It is going to be an exciting challenge," said Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham. "We can't wait, England coming to Cardiff.

"Hopefully we get a massive crowd there, it should be a great occasion for us and it's what the players deserve after two good performances and two good wins.

"We have got a good opportunity, but we have to focus on what we can learn from this game and keep building."

Wales cruised to victory in their opening-round game against Ireland, showing a clinical edge that had been lacking in the last campaign and more recently at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

The bonus point was wrapped up by half-time, and despite fading in the final quarter, there was plenty to be encouraged by.

Welsh Rugby Union acting chief executive Nigel Walker said it was probably the best 80 minutes he had seen from the side since they turned professional at the start of 2022.

"I was jumping up and down, the same as everybody else in the crowd last week, it was a fantastic performance and a fantastic start for them," Walker said.

As expected, the Scotland game proved much more of an arm-wrestle, with momentum swinging back and forth between the two Celtic rivals.

And while Wales were able to grind out the result, Ffion Lewis once again scoring a late try, their discipline came under the spotlight with a high penalty count and a first-half yellow card.

"We have to look at our discipline and at the type of penalties that we're giving away," said Cunningham.

"Today [Saturday] was a lot around the breakdown, the tackler not rolling, those little things we'll have to focus on as we move forward."

But Cunningham was also quick to highlight the positives of the first two performances, notably Wales' pack.

It was almost a "prop show" in Edinburgh, with both Gwenllian Pyrs and Sisilia Tuipulotu scoring two tries apiece.

And for Tuipulotu, it is three tries in two games and consecutive player of match awards - not bad for a second row convert.

"The front five have been excellent," added Cunningham. "Especially Sisilia, she's been awesome in the first two games and given us front-foot ball and an opportunity to go forward and play through teams."

But the teenager remains modest amid all the adulation.

"I am just grateful that I got to play out there today to the standard that I did," Tuipulotu said, "but I don't think I would have done it without my team mates, so the award today goes out to them.

"They push me to become stronger.

"With the coaches that I have, I get to be the best that I can.

"My scrums are going well, the set piece is going well, I just have to believe in myself that I can do it and that my team mates are behind me."

The Six Nations breaks for a week now, with Wales topping the Six Nations table on Saturday night ahead of England playing Italy on Sunday.

And with a maximum 10 points on the board, Wales will fancy their chances of causing a major upset when England come to town.

Their last victory over the old rivals was back in 2015.

"We know England are going to be dominant, but I think this is our best chance to go out there, really give a performance and go for the win," said Wales captain Hannah Jones.

Read 88 times

Soccer

Man Utd wrap up worst ever Premier League spot

Man Utd wrap up worst ever Premier League spot

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsManchester United's miserable season ended with confirmation of the...

Arteta reassures Arsenal fans: 'We'll win it' in end

Arteta reassures Arsenal fans: 'We'll win it' in end

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMikel Arteta has urged Arsenal not to be satisfied with being runne...

As it happened: Man City beat Arsenal to title

As it happened: Man City beat Arsenal to title

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe final day of the 2023-24 Premier League saw Manchester City win...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Anunoby, Hart starting for Knicks in Game 7

Anunoby, Hart starting for Knicks in Game 7

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNew York Knicks forwards OG Anunoby and Josh Hart were both in the...

Murray 'feels great', 'hungry' for big Game 7

Murray 'feels great', 'hungry' for big Game 7

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsDENVER -- Nuggets star guard Jamal Murray is "feeling great" and we...

Baseball

Twins RHP Jackson DFA'd after May struggles

Twins RHP Jackson DFA'd after May struggles

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsVeteran Jay Jackson was designated for assignment by the Minnesota...

Rangers' Garcia scratched with forearm soreness

Rangers' Garcia scratched with forearm soreness

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsARLINGTON, Texas -- Texas Rangers slugger Adolis Garcia was scratch...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated