Phillips: That’s the best performance since I took over

ROWLAND PHILLIPS was delighted with his Wales women’s side as they comfortably defeated South Africa at the Arms Park yesterday.

Tries from Jasmin Joyce, Sioned Harries and Carys Phillips plus four points from the boot of Robyn Wilkins was enough to secure the win.

All South Africa could muster was one try courtesy of Lusanda Dumke.

“I am really pleased with the result,” said Phillips.

“I thought the girls were outstanding and I think that’s the best performance we’ve put in since I was head coach. Hopefully we can build on this win against Hong Kong on Friday.”

Wales opened the scoring when right-wing Joyce crossed at the far left-hand corner after some slick handling from Robyn Wilkins and Alecs Donovan allowed her to show her pace down the touchline.

The hosts dominated the first half and built a lot of pressure in South Africa’s 22 resulting in right wing Nosiphiwo Goda being sent to the sin bin for killing the ball on the floor. Wales opted to take a quickly tapped penalty with tight-head prop Amy Evans charged over the line only to be held up.

But Phillips’ side shuntLES ed South Africa backwards in the proceeding scrum with powerful No 8 Harries eventually scoring. Wilkins successfully converted meaning the home side turned around 12-0 to the good at half-time.

The visitors applied pressure on the Welsh line with Harris eventually sent to the sin bin for illegally playing the ball on the floor.

With Wales a man down blindside flanker Dumke crossed from short range. But the home side regathered and secured the win with Phillips powering her way over the try line after a well worked driving lineout.

“I think we lost the game up front and they were far too strong for us in the scrums,” admitted South Africa captain Nolusindiso Booi.