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Wales End Nine-Match Losing Streak with Victory Over Barbarians

BBC Sport •
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Wales snapped a nine-game losing streak with a convincing 34-17 win over Barbarians at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium. Uncapped wing Amy Williams starred with two tries, while Kayleigh Powell, Seren Lockwood, Courtney Keight and Jorja Aiono also crossed the line. The 31C heat tested both sides, but Wales' young squad showed resilience throughout.

Head coach Sean Lynn fielded 11 players aged 22 or under, resting veterans like Lleucu George for this uncapped fixture. Powell's move to fly-half proved effective as she opened scoring on 11 minutes, responding to Wales' need for options in that position. Returning players Alex Callender and Alisha Joyce made immediate impacts after injury and pregnancy layoffs respectively.

Bryonie King delivered a player-of-the-match performance at number eight, echoing former Wales star Sioned Harries with powerful breaks and near-misses. Several debutants including Kelsie Webster, Stella Orrin, Lucy Isaac and Lily Hawkins gained valuable international experience against the star-studded Barbarians lineup.

The victory provides welcome momentum ahead of October's WXV Global Series, though Wales still sit at just one win from their last 15 Tests. A late injury to Nel Metcalfe on her Six Nations return dampened celebrations, but this performance offered genuine hope for the rebuilding phase.