Women’s Rugby World Cup: Five talking points as Scotland, England and Ireland qualify

Wales knew that the opening game against Scotland would likely decide their World Cup fate.

A disappointing 38-8 defeat left an uphill task to qualify for the knockout stages, and a win on Saturday over the world’s number two ranked side Canada was required.

Sean Lynn, who took over as Wales head coach before this year’s Women’s Six Nations, made seven changes to his starting XV.

Wales’ front row had average age of just 20, with back rower Branwen Metcalfe, 18, also making her Test debut from the bench.

Despite falling to a 42-0 defeat by one of the World Cup favourites, Lynn’s youthful side showed plenty of green shoots to work with moving forward.

“I am glad the Wales women showed their respect for the jersey and the effort they are willing to put in,” former Wales captain Philippa Tuttiett told BBC’s Rugby Union Weekly.

“If you bring that to Sean Lynn with his coaching prowess then he will be able to move forward with that team.”

However, Wales must first keep an eye on the emerging nations behind them, with Fiji, who are ranked four places below them in 14th, likely to offer a tough final pool game on Saturday in Exeter.

Spain, ranked 13th, suffered a 43-27 defeat by Ireland on Sunday and are another side that are showing signs of progress.

“Let’s put Spain in the Six Nations,” former England captain Maggie Alphonsi told BBC Sport.