Italy W edge Wales W in WXV 2 thriller

MATCH REPORT: Italy Women produced an incredible defensive display and secured a narrow 8-5 win over Wales Women at Ahtlone Stadium on Friday.

It was an extremely hard-fought battle at Athlone Stadium.

Both teams suffered some early injury setbacks.

Italy wing Aura Muzzo left the field for a head injury assessment and  Wales scrumhalf Keira Bevan was replaced by the youngster Sian Jones.

Italy broke the deadlock in the 11th minute when skipper Elisa Giordano crashed over from close range for the first try of the match.

Wales put in some mammoth effort as they hunted a score. However lack of composure inside the opposition’s 22 nullified most of their efforts.

Nonetheless, Wales enjoyed more possession and eventually, after 35 minutes of play got their reward. Hannah Bluck dived over after strong carries by the pack.

The conversion was missed and the teams headed to the lockers all-square.

In the second stanza, Wales dominated the set-pieces, but could not take advantage.

Instead, it was the Italians who added to their tally and extended the lead.

Jaz Joyce was penalised for holding onto the ball and Beatrice Rigoni kicked the penalty and handed Italy an 8-5 lead.

Wales took a final shot as Kayleigh Powell went close but was short.

On the brink of full-time, Keira Bevan also spotted a gap but incredible defence by Italians saw her held up over the line.

And the Italians secured the win.

The scorers:

For Italy Women:
Try: Giordano
Pen: Rigoni

For Wales Women:
Try: Bluck

Teams:

Wales Women: 15 Jasmine Joyce, 14 Carys Cox, 13 Hannah Jones (captain) 12 Kerin Lake, 11 Nel Metcalfe, 10 Lleucu George, 9 Keira Bevan; 8 Bethan Lewis, 7 Alex Callender, 6 Alisha Butchers, 5 Georgia Evans, 4 Natalia John, 3 Donna Rose, 2 Carys Phillips, 1 Gwenllian Pyrs.
Replacements: 16 Molly Reardon, 17 Maisie Davies, 18 Sisilia Tuipulotu, 19 Alaw Pyrs, 20 Kate Williams, 21 Sian Jones, 22 Kayleigh Powell, 23 Courtney Keight

Italy Women: 15 Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi; 14 ⁠Aura Muzzo, Michela Sillari, 13 Beatrice Rigoni, 12 ⁠Francesca Grantzotto; ⁠11 Emma Stevanin, 10 ⁠Sofia Stefan, 9 Silvia Turani, 8 Elisa Giodano (captain), 7 Francesca Sgorbini, 6 Sara Tounesi, 5 Giordana Duca, 4 Valeria Fedrighi, 3 ⁠Sara Seye, 2 Vittoria Vecchini, 1 Silvia Turani.
Replacements: 16 Laura Gurioli, 17 Emanuela Stecca, ⁠⁠18 Vittoria Zanette, ⁠⁠19 Alessandra Frangipani, ⁠⁠20 Alissa Ranuccini, ⁠⁠21 Beatrice Veronese, ⁠⁠22 Sara Mannini, 23 Beatrice Capomaggi

Referee: Ella Goldsmith (Australia)
Assistant Referees: Amelia Luciano (USA) & Local
TMO: Aaron Paterson (New Zealand)