Wales suffer heavy Australia defeat in final World Cup warm-up

Summer women’s television program

Australia (21) 36

Cons: Wood 3, Moleka, Amosa, Tuinakauvadra 2, Tuinakauvadra 2, and Tries: Stewart, Moleka, Moleka, Amosa, and Wood.

Wales (5) 5

In their final World Cup warm-up, Wales suffered a significant defeat from Australia.

After a strong showing in the first Test in Brisbane, Sean Lynn’s team had already left Sydney feeling completely underwhelmed at the Oval.

Alex Callender, who limped off early in the first half and then retreated to the sideline on crutches, suffered a foot injury that was perhaps more concerning.

Before Wales’ tournament opener against Scotland, she now has just over three weeks to recover.

Maya Stewart crossed for the hosts in her first appearance since May, while Tabua Tuinakauvadra scored twice.

In the opening 10 minutes, Wales predominated possession and territory, playing the majority of the rugby in Australia’s 22 before Gwenllian Pyrs and Gwenllian Pyrs came close, but it was the hosts who attracted first blood.

Wales was forced to run in the opening try by a cut-out pass from Caitlyn Halse, who had already rushed in the previous try.

Wales responded with Pyrs once more leading the charge as the game progressed against the run of play.

Wales found Joyce-Butchers in a rare space, and she didn’t need another invitation to cross, despite the driving rain.

That would prove to be Lynn’s side’s only hope in a disappointing evening.

With a show-and-go, Moleka eased her way over with a clinical edge that had been lacking last weekend.

After the break, Australia continued to advance from where they left off.

Tuinakauvadra had always been a threat, and she drove over in the corner as Wales struggled to cope with the Wallaroos’ physicality.

Then, when Australia was in a more promising position, Pyrs was sent to the sin bin for a deliberate knock-on.

Five minutes later, Wales were forced to score again with Tuinakauvadra bulldozing over the defense, which was a record-setting defeat to Australia, which happened last year at WXV2, where they lost 37-5 to South Africa.

In the final five minutes, Australia’s replacement Marsters swept Welsh wounds with salt. In the final seconds, she crossed again, but Wales was relieved to see that her effort had been saved for a knock-on.

Waiaria Ellis, Tania Naden, Lydia Kavoa, Alapeta Ngauamo, Ashley Fernandez, Ashley Marsters, Layne Morgan, Tia Hinds, and Alapeta Ellis are the replacements.

Wales: Nel Metcalfe, Jasmine Joyce-Butchers, Carys Cox, Courtney Keight, Lisa Neumann, Kayleigh Powell, Keira Bevan, Gwenllian Pyrs, Carys Phillips, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Gwen Crabb, Abbie Fleming, Kate Williams (co-capt), Bethan Lewis, Alex Callender (co-capt).