Freda Tafuna’s hat-trick secured a narrow 26-24 win for the USA over Wales in a WXV Global Series match at Cardiff Arms Park. Tafuna, named player of the match, crossed three times as the visitors edged past a Wales side struggling to find rhythm amid handling errors and indiscipline.
The match opened with USA’s pack and driving line-out laying the foundation, allowing Tafuna to break through Wales’ defence for the first try. Wales responded with scores from Keira Bevan, Kelsey Jones, Sisilia Tuipulotu, and Alex Callender, keeping the game tight. Erica Coulibaly also scored for the USA, who dominated the second half to extend their winning streak to three games.
Wales started strongly after a promising clean line break from co-captain Kate Williams, with Bevan finishing well despite a tap tackle. However, Wales’ momentum faltered after a knock-on from the restart gifted possession back to the USA. Coulibaly then sprinted clear for a try, increasing the pressure on the hosts.
A yellow card appeal for Wales following a high tackle on Tuipulotu was denied, with the referee instead awarding a penalty. Wales’ pack showed resilience, powering hooker Jones over the line to close the gap. Tuipulotu’s bulldozing run gave Wales their third try in two games, but a missed conversion from Freya Bell left the scoreline close.
Wales appeared to edge ahead before the break thanks to a perfect grubber kick from Lleucu George, setting up Callender’s try after a turnover. Yet Tafuna’s second try just before halftime put the USA back in front by two points.
The second half saw Wales struggle with possession and territory as Tafuna’s clinical third try put the visitors into a lead they never relinquished. Wales’ set-piece creaked under pressure, with the scrum and line-out failing to provide a stable platform. The back line struggled to string passes together despite support from the 3,367-strong crowd.
Defensively, Wales had moments of promise. Kate Williams made a try-saving tackle, and Callender won a key turnover, but these were rare bright spots in an otherwise one-sided half.
Former Wales hooker Jonathan Humphreys noted how the USA pack provided the platform for their opening try. The Eagles’ line-out and driving maul repeatedly unsettled Wales, who had to regroup quickly ahead of their next WXV fixture in Japan.
Wales’ lineup featured Neumann, Cox, Keight, Bell, A Williams, George, Bevan, Davies, K Jones, Tuipulotu, B Metcalfe, Evans, K Williams (co-capt), Callender (co-capt), and King, with Reardon, Pyrs, E Jones, Crabb, Aiono, S Jones, De Vera, and Prothero on the bench.
The USA side started with Canett, Uhatafe, Henrich, Vogel, Coulibaly, Mason, Paton, Rogers, Treder, Sagapolu-Senele, Taufoou, Ehrecke, Humphreys, Perris-Redding (co-capt), and Tafuna. Replacements included Hill-Huse, Leatherman, Woods, Jarrell-Searcy (co-capt), Bailey, Bargell, Howard, and Hann.
With home games against Italy and world champions England to come, the USA will look to maintain their rising form in the WXV competition. Meanwhile, Wales must reassess following two tough outings before their trip to Japan next month.
According to Yahoo Sports.
