Wales scored three tries to USA’s five in a 23-31 defeat but 32 players had some game time as Cunningham and his coaching team sit down to select the final squad for the Tik Tok Women’s Six Nations.
Wales started strongly, flanker Alisha Butchers stealing line-out ball and running straight to the line after two minutes. Robyn Wilkins followed up with a penalty before centre Hannah Jones claimed a touchdown of her own. Alex Callender took clean line-out ball before good handling sent the Gloucester-Hartpury over under the posts. Wilkins converted taking Wales to a 15-0 lead.
USA are a strong outfit, currently sixth in the world and replied with two tries of their own before the break through prop Hope Rogers and lock Alycia Washington, Wales going in 15-12 up.
Wales came back out with intent after the break, Jaz Joyce showing glimpses of her potential to score but the USA defence stood firm. Lleucu George slotted a penalty before USA Falcons No 8 scored her first try of the match taking the visitors to a 19-18 lead.
Wales came back with a good forwards try, scored by prop Donna Rose, her first in a Wales shirt but USA hit back immediately with two more – through centre Alev Kelter and impressive No 8 Zachary, Megan Foster slotting a touchline conversion.
Cunningham said, “It was a very worthwhile exercise for us against a very good USA team. It’s always nice to score early in the game and see some of what we’ve been working on come together in a match scenario. It was good to give game time to so many players two weeks out from the Women’s Six Nation and see some combinations before we make our final selection.”
Wales scorers:
Alisha Butchers, Hannah Jones, Donna Rose
Pens: Robyn Wilkins, Lleucu George
USA Falcons scorers:
Hope Rogers, Alycia Washington, Kate Zachary (2), Alev Kelter
Cons: Alev Kelter (2), Megan Foster
