USA edge past Wales in WXV with Tafuna hat-trick

Wales' resurgence suffered a disappointing blow with USA edging an entertaining WXV contest at Cardiff Arms Park.

Number eight Freda Tafuna, a standout player in USA's victory over Ireland last week, bagged a hat-trick of tries as the error-strewn hosts struggled to find the fluidity that saw them cruise past South Africa.

Erica Coulibaly also crossed for the visitors, while Wales stayed in the fight with scores from Keira Bevan, Sisilia Tuipulotu and Alex Callender.

But the Eagles dominated the second-half, once again proving they are rising force in the women's game and living up to their status as a top-six side.

USA's winning streak now stretches to three games, while Wales must build again before they head to Japan next month.

More to follow.

Wales: Neumann; Cox, Keight, Bell, A Williams; George, Bevan; Davies, K Jones, Tuipulotu, B Metcalfe, Evans, K Williams (co-capt), Callender (co-capt), King.

Replacements: Reardon, Pyrs, E Jones, Crabb, Aiono, S Jones, De Vera, Prothero.

USA: Canett; Uhatafe, Henrich, Vogel, Coulibaly; Mason, Paton; Rogers, Treder, Sagapolu-Senele, Taufoou, Ehrecke, Humphreys, Perris-Redding (co-capt), Tafuna.

Replacements: Hill-Huse, Leatherman, Woods, Jarrell-Searcy (co-capt), Bailey, Bargell, Howard, Hann.