By Hannah Blackwell
Ioan Cunningham admits he was left frustrated after Wales let slip an opportunity to make the World Cup quarter-finals under their own steam.
A 13-7 loss to Australia in the early hours in New Zealand means hopes of claiming an automatic quarter-final place have gone.
Instead, the Aussies have taken the second pool place behind New Zealand and head coach Cunningham and his team must now hope that other results go to form, in order for them to make the last eight.
Cunningham said: “We are disappointed, for sure, and frustrated as well.
“The girls defended extremely well and showed so much passion for the jersey to keep Australia out for the vast majority of the game.
“But the territory and possession stats are so low we made it very difficult for ourselves. We had plenty of opportunities and we just didn’t convert them.
“We thought it was going to be a repeat of the Scotland game when Lisa (Neumann) caught that restart, but it wasn’t to be today.
🏴Wales reaction 👇 @IoanCunningham 💬 We didn’t convert our opportunities but if we get to the quarters, we’ll relish another chance to play a top team #HerStory #EiHanesHihttps://t.co/UAPDviCMOf
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) October 22, 2022
“Our breakdown wasn’t what it should have been. They turned us over too many times which doesn’t give you the field position you need to keep the pressure on. We’re going to have to fix that if we’re still here next week.”
Australia led 10-7 at the interval and, after dominating possession in the second period, a penalty with three minutes to go made sure of the victory at the Northland Events Centre in Whangārei.
It means Australia finish second in Pool A on eight points and will be in the last eight while, for now, Wales – on five points – must wait on other results over the weekend to find out whether they will progress.
Wales No. 8 Sioned Harries scored Wales’ try after 22 minutes but her team failed to capitalise in the final 10 minutes when the Aussies had Kaitlann Leaney sent to the sin bin.
“The biggest frustration is we felt we were the better team today, you could see the growth in the side from the last few months,” added Cunningham.
📢 Sound: ON@WallaroosRugby are in full voice after securing their place in the quarter-finals ✅️#RWC2021 pic.twitter.com/p9aeMVlBkD
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 22, 2022
“At times we looked far more comfortable than Australia, but we just didn’t convert that into points and when you’re without territory and possession, pressure usually takes its toll.
“We can take heart from some of the stuff we put together today. We want to be playing the best teams in the world and if we get to a quarter final, whether we face England, the Black Ferns or another top team, we’ll relish the opportunity.”
Australia head coach Jay Tregonning said: “We are really pleased with the work ethic and how the players dug in for each other to grind out the win.
“Their defence was outstanding, we thought we had a few good opportunities and they held their line really strong, so all credit to Wales.”
