WXV Global Series

Wales (24) 24

Tries: Bevan, K Jones, Tuipulotu, Callender Cons: Bell 2

USA (21) 26

Tries: Tafuna 3, Coulibaly Cons: Vogel 3

Wales’ resurgence suffered a disappointing blow with USA edging an entertaining WXV contest at Cardiff Arms Park.

Number eight Freda Tafuna, a standout player in USA’s victory over Ireland last week, bagged a hat-trick as the error-strewn hosts struggled to find the fluidity that saw them cruise past South Africa.

Erica Coulibaly also crossed for the visitors, while Wales stayed in the fight with scores from Keira Bevan, Kelsey Jones, Sisilia Tuipulotu and Alex Callender.

But the Eagles dominated the second-half, once again proving they are rising force in the women’s game and living up to their status as a top-six side.

USA’s winning streak now stretches to three games, while Wales must build again before they head to Japan next month.

Former Wales hooker Jonathan Humphreys saw his USA pack provide the platform for the opening try, with Tafuna breaking through a determined defence.

Wales, meanwhile, struggled for a foothold with handling errors and indiscipline creeping into their game.

A knock-on led to Tafuna’s second effort and while Wales were offered a lifeline when replays showed Emily Henrich obstructed a defender, referee Amber McLachlan allowed it to stand.

Wales roared back to life with a clean line break from co-captain Kate Williams. Her namesake Amy then threatened down the wing before the ball was recycled back inside for Bevan, who did well to ride a tap tackle on her way to the line.

But Wales could not keep the momentum, a knock-on from the restart gifted USA back possession and once the ball found its way out to the pacy Coulibaly, there was little Wales could do to stop her.

Wales then had a shout of a yellow card for a high tackle on Tuipulotu, but were only given a penalty, which Lleucu George just about kicked to touch.

But there was no mistaking the quality of Wales’ drive, with the pack powering hooker Jones to the line to get them back in the game.

Wales were finally able to hold onto the momentum and a penalty allowed the Welsh forwards to drive deep into USA territory and with the line begging, Tuipulotu bulldozed over for her third try in two games.

Freya Bell’s conversion hit the post which looked to have given USA a two-point lead at the break, but that was until George put in a perfect grubber kick to peg the visitors back.

Wales won the turnover off line-out ball which Callender took quickly before finishing off the try, with Wales heading down the tunnel with the advantage.

Hopes of Wales pushing on after the break were quashed early on as the ever-clinical Tafuna powered over for her third of the afternoon.

It also gave the visitors a two-point lead which they never looked like surrendering in a one-sided half.

Starved of possession and territory, Wales were not helped by their set-piece, with both the scrum and line-out creaking.

The back line also struggled to get the ball through the hands despite the rallying cries from the lively 3,367 crowd.

Moments of inspiration were few and far between with a Kate Williams try-saving tackle and Callender turnover among the few bright moments.

It was a disappointing end to the first two games of Wales’ campaign, while USA will march on with home games to come against Italy and world champions England.

Wales: Neumann; Cox, Keight, Bell, A Williams; George, Bevan; Davies, K Jones, Tuipulotu, B Metcalfe, Evans, K Williams (co-capt), Callender (co-capt), King.

Replacements: Reardon, Pyrs, E Jones, Crabb, Aiono, S Jones, De Vera, Prothero.

USA: Canett; Uhatafe, Henrich, Vogel, Coulibaly; Mason, Paton; Rogers, Treder, Sagapolu-Senele, Taufoou, Ehrecke, Humphreys, Perris-Redding (co-capt), Tafuna.

Replacements: Hill-Huse, Leatherman, Woods, Jarrell-Searcy (co-capt), Bailey, Bargell, Howard, Hann.