By Lucy Rees
Ioan Cunningham has told his Wales women’s team they still have plenty of room for improvement ahead of their clash against South Africa this weekend.
The head coach saw his side earn a big win on Sunday night at Cardiff Arms Park with two tries from Jasmine Joyce helping them to a 23-5 victory over Japan.
But Cunningham, the WRU women’s head coach, reckons his players can raise their standards further, especially when it comes to not giving away so many penalties.
Cunningham said: “I’m very satisfied to get the win. First and foremost, the girls have worked extremely hard and thoroughly deserve that victory.
“But there’s still lots to work on, which is always positive, which we can review thoroughly and make improvements this week before South Africa.
“We’ll be speaking and addressing our discipline. I think it was 16 penalties throughout, so we need to look at that.
@WelshRugbyUnion 23 @JRFURugby 5 @ArmsParkCardiff last night, with two tries by Jasmine Joyce.
Pictures via @Alamy_Editorial: https://t.co/KdSQCE2vQe#MenywodCymru #WalesWomen pic.twitter.com/VJ3uvksUCg
— Gruffydd Thomas (@GruffyddThomas) November 8, 2021
“The breakdown as well – just having a bit more clean ball from that area and our conversion rate in the 22.
“I thought we put some great defensive sets together which helped us grow into the game.
“We started well with an early try, we had a lot of possession camped in their 22, but we couldn’t capitalise.
“But the transition in the defence, and hold them out, I thought was brilliant and it helped us grow into the game then.”
Siwan Lillicrap, scored the first try for Wales in the first minute of the match, with an unsuccessful conversion following.
Wales were then 8-0 up after a penalty kick from Elinor Snowsill and then another scrum penalty followed. Snowsill was again successful, adding three to Wales’ tally.
Wales led 11-0 lead at half time but six minutes into the second half, Georgia Evans received a yellow card after a deliberate knock-on.
🏉73′ Cymru 23-0 Siapan
Trydydd cais i Gymru ac yr ail o’r noson i Jasmine Joyce 👏
It’s Jazz hands all round as the superstar full-back crosses for her second try 👏@WelshRugbyUnion
📍 Parc yr Arfau
📺 @S4C @S4Cchwaraeon
💻 https://t.co/YGILmXxqf0 pic.twitter.com/Edra8jdwoN— Clwb Rygbi (@yclwbrygbi) November 7, 2021
The brilliant Joyce then scored a try out of nowhere after she created space from nothing on her own and with a successful conversion from Snowsill, the score put Wales 18-0 up.
Joyce then scored a second try from very short range to increase Wales’ advantage before Japan started to fight back with Seina Saito getting over the line.
The win comes after the recent announcement of 10 full-time contracts and 15 retainer contracts.
Cunningham added: “I think it’s helped. The girls have worked hard and deserve to get that opportunity to have contracts.
“It’s also brought a bit of an edge to competition now with the girls playing which is great for us as coaches to see them put their hands up as well.
“I think it’s brilliant. We’re united as a group, everyone who’s in the squad has contributed immensely towards this win and will continue to towards the next few games.
“Everyone in this squad is part of this win and it will definitely give us confidence and belief going forward.”
Cymru 23 @JRFURugby 5 @ArmsParkCardiff neithiwr.
Dau gais gan Jasmine Joyce.
Lluniau: https://t.co/OSaKOt6tKF@WelshRugbyUnion #MenywodCymru pic.twitter.com/O5i1i4wo8k
— Gruffydd Thomas (@GruffyddThomas) November 8, 2021
Wales take on South Africa on Saturday at Cardiff Arms Park, which will be a different challenge.
“They’re a bit of a contrast from Japan, really,” added Cunningham.
“They kick the ball a lot more, they’ve obviously got a strong set piece, so it’s going to be a different challenge for us which we’re excited to face.”