Wales head coach Sean Lynn praised his side’s never say die attitude in their 62-24 defeat to England on Saturday in the Women’s Six Nations.

Lynn’s team were the first team to secure a bonus point in defeat to England – outside of France – since prior to the 2022 World Cup, scoring four tries in a spirited display at Ashton Gate.

Wales still have a long way to go, however, with the result on Saturday never in doubt thanks to England’s ruthless attack running in 10 tries.

Wales’ 24 points scored was also the most they have ever scored against the Red Roses in 24 Six Nations meetings.

Tries from Keira Bevan, Kelsey Jones, Bethan Lewis, and Seren Lockwood saw the visitors put on a admirable display of attacking rugby, as new attach coach Ashley Beck’s methods are starting to take hold.

“Twelve months ago we would’ve flopped and fallen away, but to show that character to come back and score two tries and get a bonus point, I can’t fault the character,” said Lynn.

“Obviously we’re disappointed we leaked 62 points, but that’s a very good Red Roses side who were clinical today.”

The two first half tries from Bevan and Jones were neat training ground moves, with Wales playing on their own lineout strength to fool the Red Roses defence.

“We’ve got to be a little bit more clever now in those red zones, so it was lovely to see the first one come off and then the second. We’ve always got to be asking questions of the defence,” said Lynn.

“We just didn’t keep the ball and then they score from those opportunities when we’re in really good areas, those were the big frustrations from us as a coaching team.”

With England so far above the rest, not only in the Six Nations, but in the whole of world rugby, this match was a useful learning for Lynn and his coaching staff. For the players, they will be desperate for a win against Ireland and Italy in the final two weeks.

“We will definitely be moving that goalpost for us and we could catch them,” he said.

“I couldn’t give you an answer [on how long until Wales can compete]. It’s just making sure we focus on us and control what we can.

“That’s the big thing for me, we’ve got individuals, somebody like Freya Bell coming off the bench today who’s looking strong, Jenna De Vera getting her second start, Jorja Aiono, Seren Lockwood – the adaptability she’s showing going onto the wing and playing in front of 28,000 people.

“This experience is just going to help our youngsters and the senior players have been outstanding.”

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