The three TikTok Women’s Six Nations sides in WXV action over the weekend each made strong starts as the inaugural competition got off to a flyer.
Scotland’s pack came to the fore in their 31-17 victory over South Africa in Stellenbosch, with four of their five tries coming courtesy of the rolling maul.
Hooker Lana Skeldon was twice the beneficiary while Evie Gallagher and Leah Bartlett also crossed following lineouts deep in the Springbok Women 22.
Lisa Thomson’s late try sealed the outcome and Scotland skipper Rachel Malcolm was delighted with the resilience her side displayed in the WXV 2 encounter.
“It was incredibly tough,” she said.
“South Africa came out fighting, we knew the first half would be a real battle and it absolutely was.
“They were in that game right until the end, the scoreboard doesn’t tell the full story and it was one of the closest matches we’ve played with them.
“They have come a really long way and I’m proud of how we stuck in and got the result.
“Our strength in depth is much better now, we have players coming on making a massive difference off the bench and we are making good decisions in those tough times.
“In previous years, we might have fallen away but we dug in. Now we have to push on.”
Elsewhere in WXV 2, Italy overcame Japan 28-15 to join Scotland on five points.
Beatrice Rigoni got Le Azzurre off to a perfect start with her fourth-minute try but Japan hit back courtesy of Misaki Matsumara midway through the first half.
A double for Aura Muzzo either side of the interval put Italy in a strong position before Francesca Granzotto secured the bonus point before the 60 minute mark.
Matsumara scored again late on but by then Italy had done enough to start with a win.
Also laying down a marker were Ireland, who began the Scott Bemand era with a 109-0 win over Kazakhstan in WXV 3.
Eve Higgins and Beibhinn Parsons scored four tries each while Christy Haney, Meabh Deely, Linda Djougang, Molly Scuffil-McCabe, Grace Moore, Aoife Dalton (2), Brittany Hogan and Sarah Delaney also crossed.
Delaney was one of three debutants alongside Eimear Corri and Megan Collis and said: “I can’t really put it into words, to be honest.
“I think it’s after being the best day of my life. It’s been such an honour to even get the cap. Getting the try was just the icing on top.”
All three sides are in action again this week. Friday sees Scotland face USA while Italy take on South Africa. Ireland take on Colombia on Saturday.
WXV 1 also begins this week, featuring three TikTok Women’s Six Nations outfits. England are first up, taking on Australia on Friday, after which Wales take on Canada. Saturday sees France play hosts New Zealand.
