Wales thrashed the Springbok Women 35-3 in Marcoussis on Saturday to clinch their first World Cup pool victory since 1998.
The four-try rout completed a disastrous campaign for South Africa, who yet again failed to progress to the play-offs. Both teams suffered back-to-back defeats against France and Australia and this was a fight to avoid Pool C's wooden spoon.
A penalty apiece drew them level in a tight first quarter, but a brace from Welsh No 8 Sioned Harries, either side of the break, put the error-strewn South Africans on the backfoot.
The Springbok Women looked overwhelmed by the opposition at times. They again failed to convert opportunities into points, while the Welsh, in stark contrast, scored with ease. Replacement prop Jenny Davies bundled over the line for her team's third touchdown, before Harries completed her hat-trick. Centre Robyn Wilkins delivered a flawless kicking display.
Meanwhile, England's 13-13 draw with Canada means four-time champions New Zealand will not compete in this year's semi-finals despite beating the USA 34-3. Ireland will play in their first ever Women's World Cup semi-final when they face their rivals England, while hosts France face Canada in Stade Jean Bouin.
The Springbok Women will face Samoa on Wednesday in the first of two seeding matches. The winner will book their place in the ninth/10th-place play-off.
Springbok Women – Penalty: Zandile Nojoko.
Wales – Tries: Sioned Harries (3), Jenny Davies. Conversions: Robyn Wilkins (3). Penalties: Wilkins (2). Drop goal: Elinor Snowsill.
Springbok Women – 15 Cindy Cant, 14 Siviwe Basweni, 13 Zenay Jordaan (c), 12 Lorinda Brown, 11 Phumeza Gadu, 10 Zandile Nojoko, 9 Fundiswa Plaatjie, 8 Lamla Momoti, 7 Andrew Mentoor, 6 Rachelle Geldenhuys, 5 Nolusindiso Booi, 4 Celeste Adonis, 3 Cebisa Kula, 2 Denit Wentzel, 1 Nwabisa Ngxatu.
Subs: 16 Thantaswa Macingwana, 17 Portia Jonga, 18 Vuyolwethu Vazi, 19 Shona-Leah Weston, 20 Tayla Kinsey, 21 Veroeshka Grain, 22 Sinazo Nobele.
Wales – 15 Laurie Harries, 14 Adi Taviner, 13 Robyn Wilkins, 12 Rebecca de Flippo, 11 Dyddgu Hywell, 10 Elinor Snowsill, 9 Sian Moore, 8 Sioned Harries, 8 Rachel Taylor, 6 Catrina Nicholas, 5 Shona Powell-Hughes, 4 Jenny Hawkins, 3 Catrin Edwards, 2 Carys Phillips, 1 Meg York.
Subs: 16 Lowri Harries, 17 Jenny Davies, 18 Cerys Hale, 19 Siam Williams, 20 Amy Day, 21 Elli Norkett, 22 Rafluke Taylor.
Photo: Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images
