Wales coach calls for strong WXV finish amid pressure

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Pressure is building on Wales Women as they take on Japan in the final round of the WVX 2 on Friday.

After 13 losses in 18 matches and disappointing defeats to Australia and Italy in the WXV 2 campaign, Friday’s fixture against Japan is a game Wales Women head coach Ioan Cunningham cannot afford to lose.

Wales are currently at the bottom of the WXV 2 table with one point and a defeat to Japan will see them slip to the third tier of the WXV tournament.

It has been a troubling period for Wales, who competed in the WXV 1 last year.

They recorded four defeats in five matches during the Six Nations and last weekend’s  5-8 loss to Italy has just added to the growing concerns as the World Cup looms.

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“We had an honest review and the message to the players has centred around composure and calmness and finishing the opportunities we are creating,” said Cunningham.

“Test match rugby is about turning pressure into points, and we have created enough chances in both our previous Test matches, but we need to be more clinical when we get in the red zone against Japan.”

The head coach said Japan will be a tough team to overcome as they are also seeking a win after their defeats to South Africa and Scotland.

“Japan will pose a very different challenge but it’s one the players are aware of.

“We have been impressed with how they have performed so far in WXV 2,” said Cunningham.

“The team know that we need to finish WXV2 with a big performance for the supporters back home in Wales.

“It’s a game both sides know they need to win to finish on a high and promises to be an exciting Test match.”