Kayleigh Powell admits that being the only home nation not to have qualified for the Rugby World Cup knockout stage has been “gutting”, but the versatile back is relishing “one more opportunity to show what Wales is about” against Fiji.
After losing their opening two matches, Wales have one last chance to avoid finishing bottom of the pool on Saturday. Sean Lynn’s side had been aiming to reach to the quarter-finals, joining England, Scotland and Ireland, but an underwhelming tournament has left them heading for the exit.
Wales were poor against Scotland with the game expected to be a close encounter but Bryan Easson’s side blew them away 38-8. The 42-0 scoreline against Canada did not reflect Wales’s bright start, where they defended well and created chances.
Their record over the two pool games paints a dismal picture: 10 times more points conceded than scored, just 13 defenders beaten and, against Canada, a lineout success rate of only 45%.
There had been expectations of a more immediate improvement after Lynn, who won the last three Premiership Women’s Rugby titles with Gloucester-Hartpury, took over before the 2025 Women’s Six Nations. Under him Wales have played nine games and won just one. Lynn has been commendably honest, admitting Wales’s performance against Scotland “was not good enough”, but was happy to see some improvements against Canada.
If Wales can add consistency and finish the tries they set-up, they could beat Fiji and have something to build on for the 2026 Six Nations, but no matter the result at Sandy Park, Wales will be heading home.
“One thing that resonates with me is how do we want to be remembered as individuals and as a team?” says Powell. “I think for us the main thing is being ruthless and not letting teams get away with things easy: giving easy penalties away, skill errors at crucial times. In our attacking 22 we need to be coming away with points more than we have been. Being clinical and ruthless is how I want to be remembered as a team.”
Wales face their former coach Ioan Cunningham, who led the side for three years, as he guides a physical Fiji team who could yet leave Wales winless. Fiji have also drawn a blank at the World Cup after losing 65-7 to Canada and 29-15 to Scotland.
Coming up against Cunningham is not something the squad have been discussing, says Powell. “It’s just a game of rugby. The main focus for us is what we do on the pitch, everything off of it doesn’t really matter.”
While criticisms of Wales’s form are expected, personal attacks on social media are not tolerated. The lock Georgia Evans this week hit back against those saying her matchday look is not one of a “rugby player”. “The bows in my hair, the tape on my arm, the eyelashes and full face of make-up that I choose to wear has no bearing on my ability, my passion or fight for this game… Don’t worry I won’t be changing,” she said in a statement.
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Wales’ players may wear bows in solidarity with their teammate against Fiji. The full-back Nel Metcalfe has said the online abuse has brought the squad closer together.
“I don’t know how people can be so cruel,” she said. “I don’t know how they type a message out and think that is OK to send to someone. It is not acceptable at all. Women’s rugby is such a safe space for everyone to express yourself and show who you want to be. It’s massively disappointing. I just hope everyone still keeps being themselves, that is what we want. Ignore the hate and keep being you.”
One positive for Wales has been the 20-year-old Metcalfe, who believes World Cup experience will only aid her game: “It’s the biggest World Cup so far, so it has been an incredible experience personally. The games might not have gone our way but I have learned so much and just being in this environment, the media, everything about it, it’s been really good.
“There are always massive positives. We have tried to move the ball better than I think we have done in the past. Physicality is always something we want to improve and keep improving. It’s hard to say right now, but when we review we will be able to take some positives.”
Wales will feel the pressure against Fiji and while a win will not save their World Cup campaign, it would restore some pride and offer a small platform to build on for 2026.
