WREC round 2: Holland and Spain set up Championship-defining clash

As expected, in round two of the Women’s Rugby Europe Championship (WREC), Spain and the Netherlands were victorious in their travels to Portugal and Belgium, with the visiting sides claiming 45-5 and 41-0 wins.

They are now heading for a winner-takes-all final round, with the Dutch welcoming Las Leonas next week at the Amsterdam National Rugby Center. As for Portugal and Belgium, they will be engulfed in a battle to avoid finishing last.

Promising debut for Anael Fernández
With Claudia Peña Hidalgo back in the fold, Spain were unstoppable against Portugal, clinching a seven-try win to continue their WREC winning streak.

However, although the Harlequins utility back pulled off another stellar performance, it was actually her centre pairing partner that rocked the show as 27-year-old Anael Fernández bagged two tries in her Test match debut for Spain.

The former Argentinian sevens speedster changed allegiances in 2024 and, after two years of hard work, claimed her first Test match cap, despite previously representing Spain in two non-cap games.

The inside centre was a loose threat, claiming five line breaks and 12 defenders beaten, slicing the Portuguese defence with ease and helping her side nail five tries, two of which she scored.

With head coach Régis Sonnes still on the lookout for his best 23, Fernández made a strong case to keep her place on the team sheet ahead of next weekend’s championship-defining game.

How do you stop Inger Jongerius?
The Netherlands had to overcome a feisty and spirited Belgian side that was determined to fight until the end, with lock Inger Jongerius and centre Mariet Luijken playing a key role in their side’s 41-0 win.

FC Grenoble Amazones Jongerius was superb all over the park, not only in her set-piece duties but also as a ball carrier, piecing together several plays that allowed the Dutch team to land seven uncontested tries.

The towering, unbending lock, who knabbed a finish of her own, assisted for two of Luijken’s three finishes, showcasing a wide range of skills that unlocked the Dutch’s full potential.

As for Luijken, the flamboyant centre was relentless in her pursuit as an attacking operator, piercing the Belgian defence continuously and grabbing a hat-trick performance in the process.

With one game to go, head coach Gareth Gilbert can be assured that the Netherlands has enough talent, depth and ammunition to equal Spain in next week’s Championship-defining match-up.

The Dutch can play with their backs
While Belgium did perform well in the first half, they ended up conceding 41 points against a Dutch side that looked good running the ball out wide and nailing their attacking game plan after a first wobbly 20 minutes.

With fly half Esmee Ligtvoet and fullback Isis Touw connecting well, the Netherlands found their way into the Belgian in-goal area, putting their forwards to good use before reaching the whitewash.

What is more impressive is the Dutch pack’s ability to get involved in the backline, piecing together an electric and dynamic attacking strategy that has the potential to shock and awe those who take them lightly.

Despite missing several try conversions, the Netherlands seem close to their full potential, which should serve as a warning for Spain. A minor tackling mistake might not only lead to conceding, but also to losing the WREC crown.

Lionnes and Lobas: What can they take from the competition’s final round?
Two consecutive losses, a total of 184 points conceded and a gap that hasn’t narrowed. What can Belgium and Portugal take from the Championship ahead of next weekend’s clash?

While the Portuguese Lobas were undoubtedly well beaten by Spain, their opening half was promising, as they set up more than a few good plays, forcing Spain to dig deep. The set-piece, mainly the scrum, didn’t pan out well, but there were some moments of brilliance in a team that is trying to build something for the future.

As for the Belgian Lionnes, they were close to earning the lead in the early stages of their Low Countries Derby, making the Dutch Oranje sweat before Luijken scored her side’s first try of the game.

Although there is still a long way to go, Belgium seems to be on the right path, showcasing a team depth that will, in the future, hopefully create history for their country and the women’s programme.