WXV 3 Newcomers prepare for Dubai test

WXV 3 takes place in Dubai with newcomers Madagascar, Hong Kong and Netherlands welcomed into the fray this year.

There’s an added carrot to this year’s edition with the top two teams from WXV3 (outside of Fiji) qualifying for next year’s World Cup.

Samoa will be favourites for the title following their relegation from WXV2 last season and will seek retribution after going winless.

Third-place Spain secured two wins and were beaten just once meaning they will be full of confidence and will look to build on the progression of Spanish rugby.

They take on new side Madagascar in round one, who earned their place in the tournament via a second-place finish at the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup.

Despite their recent 59-15 loss to Scotland last time out, Fiji will take some positives having scored two exciting tries in classic Fijian fashion.

Going into this tournament they will always be a danger and will want to go one better than their second place finish last year.

They go against Hong Kong in round one who will be playing in the competition for the first time, after qualifying through being the runners-up at the Asia Rugby Women’s Championship this year.

Hong Kong attack and backs coach Sam Beard is feeling positive about the position his group are in.

He said: “Our backline is dangerous with a good mixture of experience and x-factor.

“Through our training with the Brumbies Super Rugby women, the team has spent a lot of time together and we are starting to see the benefits.”

The Netherlands, who earnt their qualification with a 33-11 victory in their promotion play-off against relegated Colombia, take on Samoa in round one.

Fixtures

Round 1

Fri Sep 27…………Spain v Madagascar (4pm)

Sat Sep 28…………….. Fiji v Hong Kong (3pm)

Sat Sep 28…. Netherlands v Samoa (5.30pm)

Round 2

Fri Oct 4….. Madagascar v Hong Kong (4pm)

Sat Oct 5…………………….. Fiji v Samoa (3pm)

Sat Oct 5…….. Netherlands v Spain (5.30pm)

Round 3

Fri Oct 11………. Samoa v Madagascar (4pm)

Sat Oct 12.. Netherlands v Hong Kong (3pm)

Sat Oct 12………………… Fiji v Spain (5.30pm)