Wales Women suffered an agonising defeat in Cardiff as USA edged an entertaining WXV contest at the Arms Park. The Eagles prevailed 26-24 to make it three straight victories, with number eight Freda Tafuna completing a hat-trick after also starring in their win over Ireland last week.
USA edge thriller at the Arms Park
Erica Coulibaly also crossed for USA, while Wales replied through Keira Bevan, Kelsey Jones, Sisilia Tuipulotu and Alex Callender. Sean Lynn's side had been hoping to build on last week's impressive win over South Africa and there were plenty of positives in pushing the world's sixth-ranked side so close.
Wales had looked set to take control after fighting back from an error-strewn opening half, but USA dominated after the break and held on for victory.
Tafuna hat-trick proves decisive
The visitors' pack provided the platform for Tafuna's opening try, with Wales struggling to find territory as handling errors and indiscipline disrupted their rhythm. Tafuna then crossed for her second after a Wales knock-on, although there was controversy when replays appeared to show USA's Emily Henrich obstructing a defender in the build-up.
Wales responded through Bevan after a fine break from co-captain Kate Williams, before Coulibaly restored USA's advantage moments later. The Welsh forwards then provided the response, with Jones powering over from a driving maul before Tuipulotu bulldozed her way across the line for her third try in two games.
Wales unable to find a way through
Wales finished the half strongly, with Callender completing a quick attack after a turnover to send the hosts into the interval ahead. But USA came out firing after the restart, with Tafuna completing her hat-trick to put the visitors back in front.
Wales struggled to regain possession and territory, with their scrum and line-out coming under increasing pressure. A crowd of 3,367 tried to lift the hosts, but Wales could not find a way through a disciplined USA defence.
