Wales rout South Africa 50-19 in WXV Global Series opener

Wales beat South Africa 50-19 in their WXV Global Series opener at Cardiff Arms Park on Friday night, scoring eight tries in a one-sided victory.

South Africa entered the match ranked 10th in the world, three places above Wales, but Sean Lynn’s team produced a markedly different display to recent campaigns. Lynn’s side had been criticised after a winless World Cup and three Six Nations wooden spoons, yet in Cardiff a new-look backline attacked with flair, the forwards carried with intent and the performance was observed by British and Irish Lions Women’s coach Jo Yapp.

Co-captain Alex Callender was named player of the match after a strong showing in the back row. Former Wales and Lions centre Jonathan Davies described Sisilia Tuipulotu’s two-try display as "world class". The tight-head prop was reported to be back to her "bulldozing best", while Georgia Evans produced a superb game at lock.

Lynn had included three uncapped players in his matchday 23 and the newcomers adapted to the international stage. He said Freya Bell was "outstanding" on her first Wales start, and Amy Williams, a former Cardiff City footballer, displayed the speed and strength cited in the report. Keira Bevan operated out of position at fly-half and remained a constant threat, while Lisa Neumann was credited with one of her best games for Wales at full-back.

Friday’s result was Lynn’s third victory since taking over as Wales head coach last year. Reflecting on recent difficulties he said: "There have been some tough times, but you've got to have those adverse times," and added, "This is just the start for us, this is going to be our new DNA." He praised the squad cohesion and preparation: "Those 23 players were aligned in everything, both sides of the ball, and they had that belief of how hard we worked in pre-season."

Lynn also pointed to skill development as a foundation for the performance, saying: "The growth in our skill development has been the underpin of everything." He quoted Keira Bevan noting her 84 caps and the milestone: "Keira Bevan said to me, she's had 84 caps and that's the first time Wales have scored 50 points. That for me is up there." Lynn said his only disappointment was the attendance and called for greater support.

He urged fans to attend the next fixture, saying: "I want more people coming next week to watch what this team is about. There is more to come," he said. Co-captain Kate Williams emphasised the need to build on the win: "After all of the tough times we have been through, as a team and Welsh rugby generally, we are going to keep working for the positive feeling to continue," she said. "What we want out of this WXV Series is more wins. "Today just proved that what we've been doing works and we'll be able to change our gameplan for USA next week."

Lynn will monitor the fitness of scrum-half Seren Lockwood after she failed to return to the pitch following a head injury assessment, and he could be bolstered by the return of Carys Cox in the backline. Wales face USA, who like South Africa are ranked above Wales, on Saturday, 26 September, also at Cardiff Arms Park in their second outing of the new WXV campaign.