WALES Women have qualified for next year’s World Cup after a 10-8 victory against France.
They unexpectedly triumphed in Neath on Sunday and brought the winning streak of Les Bleus to an end.
Even though France were leading the game five minutes after the break, Wales came back fighting.
Despite being on the back foot, prop Megan York finished off a spectacular move in the 58th minute. This lifted the team, and Wales soon reclaimed possession moving downfield.
Wales later regained the lead as York was worked to the corner. France held a strong scrum, but they did not have the ability to defeat the Welsh rearguard.
Veteran prop Catrin Edwards aided skipper Rachel Taylor with many tackles and bursts from rucks. This helped to reduce pressure.
Taylor said: “The magnitude of this win probably won’t sink in for a couple of days.
“We knew they are a physical side, we knew they would come and try and beat us up front but I’m massively proud of the girls’ effort.
“We knew what to expect, they try and bully you and beat you up around the park, we knew it was coming and just had to front up and compete. The first five minutes showed we were here to party – I couldn’t be prouder.
“We’ll now go and face England very confident – why wouldn’t you after beating France?”
The victory leaves Wales in third position in the Six Nations table and still battling for the title.
They now take on England on March 12 at Twickenham hoping to kick on from their famous victory.
The team will then train to prepare for the Women’s World Cup which will be held in Ireland in 2017.
