Final day roundup

WALES finished their World Cup campaign on a high with a 27-17 victory against hosts

Ireland and in the process claimed the seventh place as well as automatically qualifying for the next edition of the tournament in 2021.

Following a 52-0 thumping against Canada, Wales were desperate to end on a winning note but they found themselves 7-0 down early on after Paula Fitzpatrick crossed from a driving maul for Ireland.

Robyn Wilkins put the Welsh on the board with a penalty before converting Caryl Thomas’ try to put them 10-7 up which is how it stayed until the break.

Sioned Harries gave Wales some room on 48 minutes and Wales made the best of Fitzpatrick going to the bin for Ireland with captain Carys Phillips powering through to put them 22-7 in front.

Lindsay Peat gave Ireland hope but Shona Powell sealed the win for the Welsh despite a late effort from Katie Fitzhenry.

“It’s been a tough tournament for us but we definitely deserved that at the end,” said Phillips. “All the hard work we have put in over the last 12 months came out in this performance.”

France managed to pick themselves back up after their semi-final defeat scoring five tries as they beat the USA 31-23 in the bronze medal match.

Julianne Zussman and Elissa Alarie both scored a brace as Canada overcame

Australia 43-12 to pick up fifth place.

In what turned out to be an epic Latin battle for ninth place, it took an extra-time try from captain Sara Barattin to give Italy a 20-15 win over Spain.

Down at the bottom of the table, Hong Kong finished last, going down 44-5 to Japan.