Following their drubbing at the hands of France, Wales women are feeling “positive” and are excited against their challenge against England.
Captain Siwan Lillicrap spoke to the media.
Wales women feeling upbeat
“This might come to a shock for people listening in, but we’re feeling positive. They are semi-professional and one of the best sides in the world and for a reason. They’re a big and athletic side.
“In that first 20 we fronted up and dominated a lot of possession. When we analyse the game the amount of tries they scored off our attacking mistakes was probably quite high. That’s something we can correct. If we take our opportunities we’re in a different spot.
“I keep reminding myself we’re on this journey, we’re a young squad and building towards the next World Cup and beyond. When you look at our average age it’s young and they fronted up well.”
Wales rue missed chances
“France got to the edges very well and varied their game, pinning us down with their kicking. It could have easily been 12-10 at half time, they scored a few tries from our mistakes. If we’d taken our opportunities then the pressure is on them.
“I can’t fault the girls work rate, desire of physicality throughout the game. It was relentless.
HALF TIME@waleswomenrugby 0-19 @FranceRugby
https://t.co/n2WZdCoNRY pic.twitter.com/SNDIsP5uzG
— Robert Rees (@Rreesrugby) February 23, 2020
Lillicrap thanks the Welsh public
“The crowd was superb and to be fair the French traveling support was great and really added to the atmosphere. It does feel like you’ve got a 16th player behind you.
“We’ve got a big game here in a few week’s time to finish our campaign against Scotland so let’s hope that’s the biggest crowd yet. Hopefully the Welsh public will get behind us and stick around for that Sunday fixture.
“2,000 here today, if we can get that up to three or four thousand then great. I heard the Red Roses have sold out for their game today and that’s fantastic. The nation is getting behind them and hopefully as we develop the nation will get behind us more.”
Wales women brace for English challenge
“We need to be more clinical. There were opportunities out there and the next step is taking them. Over this campaign hopefully you’ll see us taking them. How we kill the play and scramble back and not allow them to counter-attack.
“I’m excited for England.”
The teams are out! pic.twitter.com/opwkEY3V6m
— Robert Rees (@Rreesrugby) February 23, 2020
Mental blocks to overcome
“We’ll debrief on today’s performance and see where we fell short. When we start taking opportunities and build that scoreboard then confidence builds within the squad and we won’t be afraid to play.
“If we make an error we’re almost afraid to make that pass next time. When we cross that whitewash next our confidence will build.
“Main photo credit”
