By admin 
Wales Women were devastated to lose the WXV2 against Italy 8-5 after coming within a hair’s breadth of securing a vital victory.
In the latter 30 minutes of the match in Cape Town, Ioan Cunningham’s team lost composure at key periods during a gaffe-filled performance, and they frequently appeared to be out of ideas moving forward. Both teams missed chances and failed to score any points.
Even though they were behind by three points, they had a chance to win the game right at the end when they were awarded a penalty in front of the posts.
However, they chose to roll the risk and press for the win, a move that ultimately backfired when Keira Bevan’s last-gasp plunge over the line was held up by the strong Italian defence.
In the closing seconds of the game, Wales suffered the further devastating loss of star fly-half Lleucu George to an ugly-looking injury. The 24-year-old fell awkwardly as she attempted to break free from a tackle by two Italian defenders. She appeared to be in a lot of pain as she gripped her knee in suffering before being wheeled off the field in a medical cart.
Elisa Giordano scored easily to put Cunningham’s team behind after 11 minutes, just after their team had another try disallowed for a knock-on. Wales dominated possession and territory in the first half as they pushed forward in an attempt to equalize, but they were unable to convert their pressure into points because they missed opportunities and the Italian defense held strong.
But just before halftime, center Hannah Bluck scored a goal following fast hands from George and Bevan to bring them back to parity. Subscribe to our free daily newsletter here to receive the most recent breaking news on Welsh rugby.
Cunningham added Sisilia Tuipolotu to the Welsh assault after the half, and her impact was felt. Player of the year Alex Callender also proved to be a formidable presence at the breakdown. This strengthened their ranks even further. However, careless play ultimately proved to be the undoing of Wales, and their composure continued to deteriorate as they attempted to score more points.
The decision to kick a late penalty to the corner instead of going for the posts and settling for a draw was made in a thrilling conclusion. But in the end, it was in vain since the Italian defense, who celebrated a well-earned victory as the final whistle blew, thwarted Bevan’s spectacular charge across the line in the 85th minute.
Wales’ terrible year came to an end on the field, and they now know that defeating Japan in their final WXV2 match next week is essential for coach Cunningham and his team. There were tears shed on the field at full time.Wales Women came within inches of securing a vital victory before losing to Italy 8-5 in the WXV2, leaving them devastated.
In a performance riddled with mistakes, Ioan Cunningham’s team lacked composure at key moments. They also frequently appeared to be out of ideas moving forward, squandering opportunities and failing to score in the last 30 minutes of the match in Cape Town.
Even though they were behind by three points, they had a chance to win the game right at the end when they were awarded a penalty in front of the posts. But they decided to take a chance and go for the win, which ultimately backfired when Keira Bevan’s desperate attempt to cross the line was stopped by the tenacious Italian defense.
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In the closing seconds of the game, Wales suffered the further devastating loss of star fly-half Lleucu George to an ugly-looking injury. The 24-year-old fell awkwardly as she attempted to break free from a tackle by two Italian defenders. She appeared to be in a lot of pain as she gripped her knee in suffering before being wheeled off the field in a medical cart.
Elisa Giordano scored easily to put Cunningham’s team behind after 11 minutes, just after their team had another try disallowed for a knock-on. Throughout the first half, Wales dominated possession and territory and pushed forward in an attempt to equalize, but they were unable to convert their pressure into points as they missed opportunities and the Italian defense held strong.
But just before halftime, center Hannah Bluck scored a cross following deft passes from George and Bevan to bring them back to parity. Subscribe to our free daily newsletter here to receive the most recent breaking news on Welsh rugby.
Cunningham added Sisilia Tuipolotu to the Welsh attack after the break, and her impact was felt. Player of the year Alex Callender continued to be a threat at the breakdown. This strengthened their ranks. Nevertheless, careless play ultimately proved to be Wales’ downfall, and their poise continued to deteriorate as they attempted to score more points.
The decision to kick a late penalty to the corner instead of going for the posts and settling for a draw was made in a suspenseful end. But in the end, it was in vain as the Italian defense, who celebrated a well-earned victory as the final whistle blew, thwarted Bevan’s spectacular charge across the line in the 85th minute.
With their final WXV2 encounter against Japan next week, Wales’ wretched year continues, and there were tears on the pitch at full time. For Cunningham and his team, who are under pressure, this match is now a must-win.