Wales suffered another Test defeat to USA 26-24 at Cardiff Arms Park, but fans left with optimism rather than despair. Head coach Sean Lynn praised the transformation of the side in six weeks, turning a winless World Cup and Six Nations team into a competitive unit. The WRU women's rugby director Nadine Griffiths called the WXV series a 'litmus test', and Wales' performance against South Africa and USA ranked in the world's top six showed progress.

Players like Kelsey Jones and Kate Williams expressed disappointment but highlighted the team's belief and commitment to improvement. Lynn pointed to co-captains Alex Callender and Williams, the emergence of Amy Williams and Keira Bevan, and the development of young forwards Branwen Metcalfe and Bryonie King. Veterans Georgia Evans, Lisa Neumann and Sisilia Tuipulotu are playing with renewed confidence.

The team is now ranked 11th globally, up from 13th, and prepares for Japan in October. Former internationals Philippa Tuttiett and Dyddgu Morgan-Hywel praised the turnaround and momentum from the South Africa win.