Coach Trish Wilcox hailed her Wales side as they produced a much-improved display in losing 72-39 in the second test against New Zealand in Cardiff.

Wales had suffered a 92-27 defeat in the first game at the Ice Arena against the world ranked second best team.

Now Wilcox will hope the experience will hold her side in good stead as they build towards next year’s Commonwealth Games in Australia.

“We were hugely disappointed with the score,” said Wilcox of the first game.

“They could have dropped their heads, but they didn’t, they came out and applied and they can only grow from the experience.

“We did not have a lot of sleep but had a really good look at our analysis and where we could make improvements.

“I am really pleased with the fact they applied those improvements.

“My understanding is that was the lowest difference against a Silver Ferns team so we are really proud of that.

“They can really look forward to the next 14 months now and the Commonwealth Games.”

The visitors led 15-12 after a tight first quarter and extended that to 31-21 at half-time before making changes to the line-up to give younger players experience.

And they showed why they are ranked No 2 in the world as they pulled away in the final two quarters.

Wales captain Suzy Drane told BBC Wales: “It was a good margin to come back to from yesterday’s game.

“We will be pleased but we won’t be settling for that scoreline.

“We have 14 months until the Commonwealth Games and we will look forward to that.

“Our team have had one weekend together and we then come up against the second best team in the world.
“Who knows what we can do with 14 months together? It’s about the journey and sticking together.”

Wales squad: Sara Bell, Fern Davies, Suzy Drane (capt), Bethan Dyke, Chloe James, Kyra Jones, Nia Jones, Lateisha Kidner, Chelsea Lewis, Kelly Morgan (vice-capt), Georgia Rowe, Amanda Varey.