SCOTLAND will have to wait until next year for their first competitive win under head coach Shade Munro after losing out to Spain in their Women’s Rugby World Cup qualifying tie on Saturday. Trailing 10-5 from the home leg at Scotstoun, the Scots lost the second leg in Madrid 15-10.
Winger Amaia Erbina gave Spain an early lead before left-winger Rhona Lloyd drew Scotland level on the day. Playmaker Patricia Garcia was next on the scoresheet, but when scrum-half Sarah Law made it 10-10, Scotland were again just a score behind. The home team had the last word, however, when a tap penalty led to a try for centre Marina Bravo.
“It was a very good contest given the difficult conditions,” Munro said after a match played on a very damp pitch. “Both teams gave it everything.
“The difference between the two was that Spain were a bit more clinical and took their opportunities. They played most of the rugby in our half and put us under pressure and their scores ultimately came from that. We are disappointed but all the very best to Spain for the World Cup.”
The draw for the 12-team World Cup, to be held next August in Ireland, has already been made, and Spain will join England, the United States and Italy in Pool B. In Pool A, Canada, New Zealand and Wales await one of two qualifiers from the forthcoming Asia/Oceania play-off tournament, while the other qualifier will be in Pool C alongside Ireland, France and Australia.
Fiji, Japan and hosts Hong Kong will contest the Asia/Oceania competition from 9 to 17 December, and compete for the two remaining. Fiji qualified for this final stage with a win over Papua New Guinea earlier this month.
Scotland begin next year’s Six Nations with a game against Ireland on Friday 3 February at Broadwood.
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