Tries from Jasmin Joyce, Sioned Harries and Carys Phillips plus four points from the boot of Robyn Wilkins was enough to secure the win. Despite the impressive nature of the win Phillips insists his side can get a lot better as they look forward to further autumn tests against Hong Kong and Canada.
“I am really pleased with the result,” said Phillips.
“I thought it was an outstanding defensive performance and I think that’s the best we’ve put in since I’ve been involved. South Africa had some big powerful girls with some direct carriers.
“So we knew we were going to have to front up. When we look back there were opportunities for us all over the pitch.
“We probably got caught up in the emotions slightly and didn’t have the clarity to take them. It’s a real good win for us to take into the next game against Hong Kong.”
With a greater emphasis on improving the girls’ fitness and skill levels in training Phillips believes Wales are headed in the right direction. And Phillips was particularly impressed with the performance of the back-row trio of Alishia Butchers, Bethan Lewis and Sioned Harries.
“We’ve worked hard,” he said.
“The girls are fitter and physically stronger. We are in a position now to be more competitive for longer periods.
“What we showed against South Africa is that sort of preparation paid off in terms of our defence. We had to defend for long periods right throughout the game.
“Bethan Lewis and the back-row had a great game. We know how good Bethan is.
“She won her first caps in the Six Nations and now she is maturing and is an exciting young player. We’ve got some good depth in the back-row.
“Manon Johnes came on for her debut after Alishia’s injury and it looked as if she had played 20 or 30 test matches. We were looking at our depth chart and it’s filling up nicely because there’s a lot of promising young players coming through.”
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