Comeback too late for Spain in Cardiff

The Lionesses were thoroughly on top for the first 20 minutes thanks to the boot of fly-half Patricia Garcia, who kept the Welsh trapped in their 22. Thanks to that territorial dominance the opening try from Jeanina Vinueza, converted by Garcia, put Spain deservedly ahead. Wales finally managed to get into the game with the power of their pack proving the key. and levelled the contest just before the end of the first half.

The second half was a very different affair wth Wales opening up big lead with three tries in 10 minutes to lead 26-7 as the game entered the final quarter..

But Spain were not finished, and fought back to end as they began. A minute after Wales' fourth try the Leonas crossed the line for a second timed after a flowing backline moved ended with a try for Berta Garcia. Patricia García did not miss with the kock putting her team within 12 of their rivals

Five minutes later came the anotehr try for Spain also through its captain, Bàrbara Pla after some more great play by the three quarters. Patricia Garcia's conversion took them to within five points of Wales - but the home team held on to record a 26-21 win.

Spain XV:1.- JAURENA, Saioa 2.- MACÍAS, Isabel 3.- VINUEZA, Jeanina 4.- RIBERA, María 5.- GARCÍA, Berta 6.- GASSÓ, Diana 7.- MEDIN, Paula 8.- DEL PAN, Angela 9.- FERNÁNDEZ DE CORRES, Anne 10.- GARCÍA, Patricia 11.- ECHEBARRIA, Iera 12.- AHIS, María 13.- ERBINA, Amaia 14.- BARRUTIETA, Uribarri 15.- PLÀ, Bárbara (C).

Replacements: 16.- LOSADA, María (x1, min 60) 17.- RICO, Isabel 18.- DELGADO, Laura (x3, min 48) 19.- REDONDO, Elena (x5, min 40) 27.- CASTELO, Mónica (x20, min 48) 20.- PEREZ, Carmen (x6, min 40) 21.- MELIZ, Carlota (x9, min 48) 22.- HURTADO, Sabina (x12, min 60) 23.- CASADO, María (x11, min 31) 25.- SCHIAVÓN, Irene (x14, min 60) 26.- GONZÁLEZ, Aroa.

Scores:Min 16 Try Vinueza, converted by P García 0-7 // Min 40 Try and conversion for Wales 7-7 // Min 54 Try for Wales 12-7 // Min 62 Try and conversion for Wales 19-7 // Min 65 Try and conversion for Wales 26-7 // Min 66 Try B García converted by P García 26-14 // Min 71 Try Pla converted by P García 26-21.

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