Welsh Women 0 French Women 20

Full back Naomi Thomas demonstrated all round skills from the start with try saving tackle on her opposite Annick Hayraud. The visitors were first on the scoreboard with penalty from inside centre Estelle Sartini after a late tackle. The Welsh contested well in the scrum with no 8 April Dent conducting at the base. The French front row used their experience to provide a solid foundation for the midfield to organise, allowing Annabel Donnedieu to cross the line. Sartini added the further two points. Wales contested well in set play but were unable to contain the French Offensive. Sartini exploited the gap to put Hayraud over. Flanker Pip Minto supported well to prevent any further French advantage before the whistle. Half time score 0-15.
Coach John Williams made key substitutes after the whistle with Croesyceiliog pair Kerry Jenkins and Rhian Wilmott taking over at half-backs. Fly half Wilmott looked to exploit the blind with full back Thomas in support. The visitors used their considerable pace behind to give Catherine Devillers enough space to score. With an increased intensity from the home side, Wales retained possession in the French half. The impressive pace of Naomi Thomas split the French defence only to be denied by a cover tackle. Substitute prop Amy Broadstock gained her first cap after strong displays for the ‘A’ side. Full time score Wales 0-20 France.
Coach John Williams said: ” A lot of individual played well. It was a squad performance rather than a tram performance. We are more interested in the performance than the result. We have come a long way in terms of development for the World Cup. In my view, it was a real positive display.”
Wales: Naomi Thomas, Clare Flowers, Louise Rickard (Karen Mayze), Melissa Berry (Captain), Sue Jones, Awen Thomas (Rhian Wilmott), Rhonnie Owens (Kerry Jenkins), Dawn Mason (Amy broadsock), Jamie Kift, Kath Lengahan (Catrin Edwards), Sue Grainger, Clare Donovan (Cath Foale), Kylie Wilson (Jackie Morgan), Pip Minto, April Dent
France: Annick Hayraud, Catherine Devillers, Nathalie Amiel (capt), Estelle Sartini, Annabel Donnadieu, Marjorie Hans, Stephanie Provost, Delphine Roussel, Odile Sorel, Fanny Gelis, Maylis Bonnin, Alexia Massacand, Aline Sagols, Sophie Serres, Clotilde Flaugere