Wilkins was one of three new caps in Rhys Edwards’ side beginning their 2014 Six Nations campaign at Aberavon on Sunday – Llandaff North clubmates Laurie Harries and Jenny Hawkins were the others.
Her midfield partnership alongside the experienced Elen Evans gave Wales plenty of impetus in the first half when Wales were on the front foot. Her timing of the pass gave Evans and outside backs Harries, Philippa Tuttiett and full back Dyddgu Hywel the space to glide into gaps as the Italian defence struggled to contain the duo.
Urged on by fly half Elinor Snowsill, who was pulling the strings along with scrum half Amy Day, Wilkins never appeared nervous in her debut. She was heavily involved in Wales’ assault on the Italian try-line in the first half where Wales attacked with plenty of endeavour but only had one try to show for their complete domination of Italy – a superb team effort which saw flanker Sioned Harries flick the ball behind her for hooker Lowri Harries to collect and stampede over in the corner.
Goal kicking has been an Achilles heel for the Women’s team in recent times with points going begging but Wilkins doesn’t lack for confidence when it comes to shooting for goal. She attempted a couple of long range efforts, one which hit an upright and was successful with a penalty to give Wales an 8-0 lead at halftime.
Despite being on the losing side with a gut wrenching 11-12 defeat, the teenager said her debut had been ‘an amazing experience’ with both coach Rhys Edwards and captain Catrin Edwards giving glowing reports on her performance.
“Considering she is only 18 years old, she had the confidence to go for goal from distance – she is going to be an outstanding player and I have no doubt she has a bright future ahead of her,” said her skipper while the coach added: “Her composure was outstanding – the first couple of kicks were quite far out, that could have been quite testing for her but she struck them well and after that her composure on the ball kept us in the game.”
Her centre partner also gave a glowing reference: “I played sevens with Robyn last summer and you could tell then that she was going to be a special player,” said Elen Evans.
“She not only carries and distributes well she’s also a good footballer who got six of our 11 points. It’s the first of many caps for her and it’s exciting to see young players coming through and making a impact.”
An old head on young shoulders, Wilkins is already looking ahead to the next challenge.
“I’m gutted we lost to Italy but fair play to the girls we kept going until the very end. It’s just really disappointing not to come away with a result – we’ve got to keep our heads high now and look ahead to Ireland.”
