Wales had a dream start to the competition beating Spain for the first time, 34-0 at their new home, Cardiff Arms Park. The following week they played tournament favourites England and were well-beaten 69-7 but were the only team in the competition to score against the awesome English defence with a try from centre Claire Flowers. “We were disappointed to concede so many points against England but the girls didn’t put in a bad performance. We are pleased with our performance in the tournament as a whole and there are lots of positives that the squad can take from this season. It’s all part of the learning curve,” commented head coach Phil John.
John added, “This season has been about transition. It is a new management team, as well as there being many new players in the squad. Our aims for this campaign were to accommodate the changes and start the building process for the 2006 World Cup. I think we’ve be successful and the attitude of the team has been outstanding.”
Wales travelled to Edinburgh hoping to record their first victory against the Scots and it looked hopeful at half time when Wales were 8-0 up from a try by winger Hayley Baxter and a penalty from fly half Awen Thomas, but three penalties from the boot of Paula Chalmers saved Scotland and they went on to take second place in the competition.
The fourth round of the competition saw Ireland travel to Cardiff looking for their first win against the Welsh but Wales fought hard to ensure a 17-0 victory and their second clean sheet of the tournament.
The emergence of new talent from the Under 19s and the Development squads meant that the competition for places in the National Squad intensified this season, which was reflected in the amount of changes in the squad selected to play France. “There seemed to be a lot of concern over how the National Team would cope with so many retirements after last season, but one of the strengths of the super league is that it throws new names into the ring,” commented Assistant Coach Alun Harries, “There are quality players in the squad and the added pressure for places has got some great individual performances this season. Hayley Baxter has proved herself as an international winger and Cath Foale, who has stepped into Liza Burgess’ shoes in the second row, has played some exceptional rugby.” Wales travelled to Paris with hopes of finishing third, the highest ever finish in the competition. Last year’s Grand Slam winners France were strong up front and despite leading 7-3 through a try from Non Evans, Wales were beaten 34-7.
Phil John added, “John Williams and the previous management team did a superb job. We are very grateful to the work that they did and we are hopeful to build on this. The girls have set themselves the target of a top six finish in the next World Cup and we are working hard to realise this.” Harries added, “If we are to make an impact at the next World Cup however, we must produce a measurable improvement on the high standards set this season. Playing in the Europeans and the Canada Cup next season will give us valuable tournament experience and we are looking forward to the challenges ahead.”
