The opening game of the inaugural Six Nations Summer Series was played early in the morning due to the temperature and with water breaks every 20 minutes to deal with the overwhelming heat during this clash.
Wales found themselves down 21-0 after 12 minutes after some breathtaking attacking and passing by a formidable France saw them cross for three early tries in blistering heat in Parma.
France looked like a side used to playing in the heat but skipper Jenna De Vera, lock Alaw Pyrs, full-back Nel Metcalfe and flanker Lucy Issac, who crossed for Wales’ first try, all impressed for Wales. Wing Amy Williams scored a second try for Wales in the second half.
A physical and skilful France crossed for four tries in the first half and proved why French rugby is such a dominant force in the women’s game, but Wales dug deep and showed some real resilience.
Wales showed what they had to offer when they had their first really good ball after half-break by full-back Nel Metcalfe and the following lineout saw France under pressure and scramble the ball clear.
Wales rallied towards the end of the second half with some impressive phase play and France were down to 14 after a tallow card for repeated offside. Flanker Lucy Issac crossed from short-range to get on the scoreboard.
Full back Metcalfe struck a sweet conversion from out wide to make it 28-7 to France at half-time.
After the break, France crossed for a further five tries and flanker Issac was shown a yellow card before replacement fly half Hanna Marshall threw a superb long pass to wing Amy Williams to cross in the corner for Wales’ second try.
