With one round remaining of the 2024 WXV3 (Women XV Group 3), Spain is just one point away from qualifying for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, while the Netherlands depends on Samoa’s last game, as they need the Pacific Nation to lose against Madagascar.
Leonas efficient in making the most out of their chances
A good old-fashioned Rugby Europe clash was the most expected game of the 2nd round, with the Spanish getting out on top when the match-official whistled the end of the game.
The Leonas dictated the match’s tempo and speed, controlling most of the ball possession throughout the first half, but they were unable to crack open a superb Dutch defence. Linde van den Velden, Mariet Luijken, and Linneke Gevers' efforts to stop the opposition in their tracks were inspirational and kept the Oranje believing that an upset was possible.
While no try was scored in the first 40 minutes, Spain managed to add three points to their tally with Amalia Argudo slotting a penalty kick. Laura Delgado, who made it back into the XV, was class in the scrum and bagged more than a handful of impactful carries and tackles, showing why her experience is still needed in the Spanish setup.
After a brief rest, both teams were locked in an intense affair, but it would be the Spanish to slowly find their way into the Dutch’s half. With Peña Hidalgo and Carmen Castellucci piercing and running away from the opposition’s clutches, the Leonas scored three unanswered tries. First Cristina Blanco dived in after a thumping maul drive; Lourdes Alameda found her way over the try-line after a succession of close-contact carries; and finally, Carmen Castellucci bounced a few tackler away to dot the ball down.
The Dutch had a last chance to score a try, but they ultimately allowed their Rugby Europe rivals to snatch the ball and put an end to the game.
Spain’s victory means they are just one point away from qualifying for the 2025 Rugby World Cup, and it might not even be needed if Hong Kong China is unable to defeat Netherlands in the last round of the WXV3.
MVP: Carmen Castellucci is undoubtedly a powerhouse on wheels. The impact she delivered in each carry, tackle (three dominant tackles), lineout steal, and turnover was massive. One of Spain’s showstoppers and one of the best of the 2024 WXV3.
Laura Delgado was elated with her team’s success,
“We trained so hard for this moment, and we are able to produce something special for our fans. It was a tough game, Netherlands have grown to become a fierce rival and they made things hard for us tonight.”
Round 3: the World Cup dream is just around the corner
Spain will meet Fiji in their last outing in the WXV3, and if they can repeat the same result of 2023, they will not only qualify for England 2025 but will be promoted to the 2026 WXV2 (the competition might change its format in the meantime).
Fiji suffered a tough loss against Samoa in Round 2 and is already out of the promotion race. The Fijianas like to impose a spirited and expanded type of gameplan but have been unable to present a trustworthy set-piece, an area in which Spain excels.
As for Netherlands hopes, they are obliged to defeat Hong Kong China in Round 3 and Samoa will have to slip against Madagascar. Even if it is a deeply hard scenario, the Dutch have the means to finish the WXV3 with a victory, as their physicality and aggressive style of play can be the best tonic to counteract Hong Kong China’s quick-ball strategy.
Do not miss the third round of the 2024 WXV3 kicks-off :
- Netherlands vs Hong Kong - Saturday 12 October – 14.00 UTC
- Spain vs Fiji = Saturday 12 October – 16.30 UTC
By Franciso Isaac
