Lynn ‘super proud’ despite end of Wales’ World Cup hopes

Wales vs. Fiji in the 2025 World Rugby World Cup

Exeter, Sandy Park Date: Saturday, September 6 Kick-off: 14:45 BST

Wales head coach Sean Lynn cut a much happier figure in this week’s post-match press duties despite their six-try defeat to Canada and subsequent World Cup elimination.

Wales’s 42-0 defeat leaves them without a chance of making it to the quarter-finals, despite having to defeat the world’s second-best team to keep their chances of making it to the knockout stages.

As expected, Canada established themselves as tournament rivals, but Wales’ significantly improved performance fared better than they had before.

In the opening moments, they were the better team, but they were unable to break through a tenacious defense.

After last weekend’s record-setting defeat to Scotland, Wales made seven starting changes, with Lynn advising his players that “if you don’t perform, you’re out.”

Bryonie King did herself justice in the back row, while experienced forwards Georgia Evans and Abbie Fleming added some much-needed physicality to the pack.

Carys Cox’s chances of starting against a Fiji side that had also been eliminated from the tournament increased as she advanced in the middle of the field.

“We could see improvements in the first 15 to 20 minutes, and that’s what I wanted,” Lynn said.

“Just empty those tanks in the next 40 minutes,” I told the girls when I came in at half-time.

Lynn gave a quick credit to semi-professional Canada for its performance.

You look at Canada and the way they move the ball, and they’re an offloading team, he said, “we knew today was going to be a big ask.”

The former Gloucester-Hartpury boss was also surprisingly content with what he saw.

We received a positive response as I requested, and that is what we received. We’ve got to move forward with small steps, he said, and everything we did out there impressed me greatly.

“I’m a proud Welshman and World Cup coach.” I’m enjoying it and think that we can progress quickly with this squad of players.

With 17 tries in the opening two rounds, Canada has undoubtedly set a precedent over reigning champions New Zealand and England.

And after confirming their place in the quarter-finals, Canada is eagerly anticipating a place in Twickenham’s final.