Welsh Rugby Union | Wales & Regions

The opening match of the inaugural Six Nations Summer Series was played early in the morning due to the temperature, with water breaks every 20 minutes to combat the overwhelming heat during this encounter.

Wales were 21-0 down after 12 minutes, after France had attacked and played in breathtaking style, scoring three times in the first three games in the scorching heat of Parma.

France looked a team used to playing in the heat, but captain Jenna De Vera, lock Alaw Pyrs, fullback Nel Metcalfe and flanker Lucy Issac, who scored Wales’ first try, all impressed for Wales. Wing Amy Williams scored a second try for Wales in the second half.

A physical and skilful France scored four times in the first half and proved why French rugby is such a dominant force in the women’s game, but Wales dug deep and showed real resilience.

Wales showed what they were made of when they got their first really good ball after the break from fullback Nel Metcalfe. In the ensuing lineout, France came under pressure and quickly cleared the ball.

Wales came back with some impressive play late in the second half and France moved to 14 points after a tally card for repeated offside. Flanker Lucy Issac crossed from close range to get on the scoreboard.

Right-back Metcalfe scored a superb conversion from the side to make it 28-7 to France at half-time.

France scored five more times after the break, with flanker Issac shown a yellow card, before substitute Hanna Marshall played a beautiful long pass to Amy Williams, who slotted home Wales’ second effort into the corner.