In the last round of the WXV3 2024, Spain and Netherlands finished in style, with both Rugby Europe nations defeating Fiji and Hong Kong China, respectively.
For the Leonas, their victory meant not only qualifying for the 2025 Rugby World Cup but lifting the WXV3 trophy – a promotion to the 2nd tier is expected, however, World Rugby has announced there will be changes in the WXV format.
Oranje wraps up in style
After a draw and a loss, the Netherlands finished their WXV3 debut season with a win, defeating Hong Kong China 33-03 in a game of two halves. In the first 40 minutes, the Dutch had to endure a very resilient Hong Kong China, with the Asian team trying to build something out of their set-piece. Fortunately for the Dutch fans, Netherlands closed ranks and won a couple of penalties that pushed them to get close to the try-area.
At the stroke of the 10th minute, Linneke Gevers ran a perfect running line and dived in to score the opening try of the game. From that point on, the European side took control of the match and kept the Asian opposition from scoring any tries, while scoring another unconverted try.
10-03 was the score at half-time. Needing to claim a win against Netherlands, Hong Kong China started to crack under pressure and when referee Tyler Miller kicked-off the second half, the Dutch would steadily expand their lead.
The sheer dominance in the set-piece kept the Asian at bay, while at the same time granting a handful of good opportunities for the Oranje to pounce the try-line again. Their 3rd try was scored by prop Anouk Veerkamp after a successful maul drive, with Lieve Stallmann and Linneke Gevers scoring the Netherlands two last tries in the last ten minutes.
After a sensational tie against Samoa, the Dutch women put up another thrilling display to finish in 3rd place in the WXV3 2024.
MVP: Anouk Veerkamp’s solid work on the scrum turned out to be vital, forcing her direct opposition to concede three penalties, while also making an impact as a ball carrier, winning consecutively on the advantage line.
Las Leonas qualify for the World Cup!
After years of rebuilding and hard work, Spain won the right to be in the next World Cup, but not before a last-minute scare, as the Fijians scored a try in the last play of the game. Thankfully, Ivamere Nabura's kick drifted to the right, allowing the Leonas to celebrate the WXV3 title and a World Cup qualification.
In what was a gritty and intense contest, Spain seemed a bit more nervous, failing to translate their dominance into points, squandering a couple of good opportunities to get ahead in the early stages.
With the 0-0 lingering for most of the first half, Fijianas opened the scoreboard with Luisa Tisolo converting a penalty. With five minutes to half-time, the Spanish finally found a crack in the Fijian wall, with sensation Alba Capell diving for her team’s first points. Zahia Pérez successfully converted the extras.
What ensued after the break wasn’t suitable for the faint of heart, as the final score was delayed until the last second. Fiji was more dominant in the scrum but were unable to translate that dominance into points. As for Spain, the Leonas were more dangerous playing out wide but failed to capitalize and put an end to the game.
With time almost up, Spain opted to add another 3-pointer to their lead, with Zahia Pérez slotting it in. Trailing by seven points, Fiji had a last chance to go for a try, and after three minutes and fifteen phases, the Pacific nation secured their first and only try of the game.
As stated in the beginning, thankfully for Las Leonas, the conversion missed the mark. Spain were crowned champions, winning the coveted World Cup ticket for the first time since 2017.
MVP: Alba Capell is the embodiment of the new Leonas, while also making sure to pay homage to their glorious past. Her tackling and jackaling prowess, on-point handling skills and relentless mindset were crucial to keeping the Fijianas at bay, completing two try-saving tackles that meant a WXV3 trophy.
Laura Delgado shared her pride on this achievement,
“We are so very proud of what we just did and what it means for our fans and country. We came to the WXV3 intending to qualify for the Rugby World Cup, and we were able to do that and win the tournament. Our journey is just starting, I promise.”
By Francisco Isaac
Images: World Rugby
