By Kevin Rademeyer, Sports Journalist.
Photo Credit: World Rugby//Getty Images.
The WXV Global Series opened with a weekend of attacking rugby and dramatic comebacks, as Wales overwhelmed South Africa in Cardiff, Italy swept aside Japan and England were held to a thrilling draw by Canada.
France produced the biggest fightback of the weekend against Australia, recovering from a chaotic first half in which they received five cards, while New Zealand underlined their strength with a commanding victory over Scotland. The United States then completed the action with a remarkable comeback against Ireland.
Wales 50- 19 South Africa
Wales produced one of their best attacking displays in recent years to defeat South Africa 50 -19 in Cardiff and begin their WXV Global Series campaign in emphatic fashion.
Courtney Knight opened the scoring after Wales worked through 11 phases following an excellent jackal from Kate Williams. Freya Bell converted, and the hosts soon doubled their advantage when Sisilia Tuipulotu powered over from close range after Kelsey Jones had won another turnover.
South Africa struggled to turn promising opportunities into points, failing to convert two five metre lineout mauls. Their scrum eventually provided the breakthrough, with Felicia Jacobs diving over from close range.
Wales responded immediately. Lisa Neumann’s kick sent Amy Williams chasing towards the line, and although the winger was stopped inches short, Seren Lockwood finished the move.
South Africa were dealt another blow when Lindelwa Gwala was sent to the sin bin, while Danelle Lochner was initially yellow carded before her sanction was upgraded to a red.
Wales took a commanding 38 -5 lead into half time and continued their assault after the break, with Tuipulotu completing her double.
South Africa showed plenty of fight, with Maria Tshiremba and Maceala Samboya crossing during their best spell of the match, but Wales regained control before Alex Callender finished off a powerful attack for their eighth try.
Keira Bevan impressed while operating in an unfamiliar position, directing Wales’ attack with confidence, while Williams, Callender, Tuipulotu and Neumann were among the hosts’ standout performers.
Italy 55- 21 Japan
Italy made an explosive start in Fontanafredda before eventually pulling clear of Japan in a 55 21 victory.
Aura Muzzo opened the scoring after Emma Stevanin produced an outstanding cross field kick, with Alessandra Frangipani adding a second try shortly afterwards.
Japan responded through Nami Asari and Asuka Kuge, with the visitors briefly moving ahead after their powerful driving maul caused Italy problems.
The response from the Azzurre was emphatic. Alyssa D’Inca, Vittoria Vecchini and Giordana Duca all crossed as Italy regained control and led 31- 14 at half time.
Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi added another six minutes after the restart, marking her 50th cap with a try.
Italy continued to exploit their speed and handling, with Francesca Sgorbini, Margherita Tonellotto and Muzzo adding further scores. Japan managed a late consolation through Masami Kawamura, but Italy had long since secured the result.
The victory gives Italy early momentum ahead of their meeting with South Africa next week.
England 26- 26 Canada
England’s remarkable winning run survived, but their perfect record came to an end as Canada forced a 26- 26 draw at Sandy Park.
Canada’s DaLeaka Menin scored twice in a relentless contest that saw both teams trade attacks throughout the first half. England responded through Claudia Moloney MacDonald and Hannah Botterman, before Moloney MacDonald added her second to put the hosts ahead.
Menin’s second try just before half time ensured the sides went into the break level at 19- 19.
England regained the lead through Bryony Field, scoring her second Test try in only her second international appearance. Canada refused to yield, with Sophie de Goede creating the opening for Olivia Apps to level the contest again.
England spent the closing stages camped on the Canadian line, but the visitors’ defence held firm.
The result means England remain unbeaten in 40 matches, while the draw adds another intriguing chapter to the rivalry between the two sides who contested the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup final.
France 29- 26 Australia
France produced a remarkable comeback against Australia after an extraordinary first half left them temporarily reduced to 11 players.
Five French players were sanctioned during the match, including two red cards, as indiscipline threatened to derail Les Bleues.
Australia took advantage through Brittany Merlo, Tania Naden and Caitlyn Halse, but France recovered before half time with tries from Anaïs Grando and Émilie Boulard to trail 19 -12.
The Wallaroos extended their advantage through Piper Duck after the restart, but France steadily clawed their way back.
Pauline Bourdon Sansus sniped over following a strong attack, while Elisa Riffoneau added her second try to move France within two points.
Australia were then reduced to 14 players when Michaela Leonard was yellow carded. France followed with another yellow for Charlotte Escudero, but the hosts maintained their composure.
With five minutes remaining, Teani Feleu burst through a defensive gap to score the decisive try and complete a remarkable 29 -26 victory.
Scotland 14- 66 New Zealand
New Zealand continued their impressive campaign with a convincing 66- 14 victory over Scotland at Hive Stadium.
The Black Ferns scored six tries in the first half, with Mo’omo’oga Palu opening the scoring inside two minutes before Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu added another.
Scotland responded through Evie Gallagher, who scored twice, but New Zealand’s attacking variety proved too much.
Justine McGregor, Elinor Plum King, Layla Sae and Amy du Plessis all crossed before half time, giving the visitors a commanding lead.
New Zealand continued after the interval, with Amarante Sititi, Tara Turner and Sae adding further scores. Alena Saili completed the scoring in the final moments.
Ireland 36- 40 United States
The weekend ended with the USA producing the comeback of the round, overturning a 19 point deficit to defeat Ireland 40 -36 at Tallaght Stadium.
Ireland raced into a 24- 12 half time lead after tries from Vicky Elmes Kinlan, Cliodhna Moloney MacDonald, Aoife Wafer and Eve Higgins.
The USA then transformed the contest.
Hooker Kathryn Treder scored twice as the Eagles began to dominate possession and set piece play. Ireland’s discipline deteriorated and the momentum swung decisively towards the visitors.
Hallie Taufoou put the USA ahead for the first time before Freda Tafuna powered through several tackles to score another try. Annabella Vogel added the conversion to stretch the advantage.
Ireland responded with a sixth try, but the USA held firm through the closing stages to complete a remarkable 40- 36 victory.
It was a fitting finale to an opening round that delivered almost everything the WXV Global Series promised: attacking rugby, momentum swings, pressure moments and results that refused to follow the script.