Tongan-Welsh rugby star Sisilia Tuipulotu scored two tries as Wales ended a nine-Test losing streak with an emphatic 50-19 victory over South Africa in their WXV Global Series opener in Cardiff.
The 22-year-old prop, whose father Sione Tuipulotu represented Tonga, crossed for Wales’ second try inside the opening 10 minutes before powering over again shortly after halftime at Cardiff Arms Park on Friday.
Wales produced a devastating opening half, running in six tries to take a commanding 38-5 lead into the break.
Courtney Keight opened the scoring before Tuipulotu powered over from close range to put the hosts 14-0 ahead following Freya Bell’s conversion.
South Africa responded through scrumhalf Felicia Jacobs, but Wales quickly regained control as Seren Lockwood, Maisie Davies, Kelsey Jones and Lisa Neumann all crossed before halftime.
Tuipulotu then struck again immediately after the break, driving through the South African defence for her second try and stretching Wales’ advantage to 45-5.
South Africa fought back with tries from Maria Tshiremba and Maceala Samboya before Wales captain Alex Callender completed the eight-try victory.
The result was a major turnaround for Wales, who entered the match having lost their previous nine Tests.
Tuipulotu has previously spoken proudly about her Tongan heritage and her desire to encourage more young Tongan women to take up rugby.
She comes from a prominent Tongan rugby family. Her father Sione played for Tonga and Newport, while Wales and British and Irish Lions internationals Taulupe Faletau, Mako Vunipola and Billy Vunipola are among her cousins.
Tuipulotu has said her father has been one of the major influences on her rugby career, while her high-profile cousins have also offered advice as she developed as an international player.
She made her Wales Test debut in 2022 and has since established herself in the Welsh front row.
Earlier this year, Harlequins announced that Tuipulotu would join the English club from Gloucester-Hartpury for the 2026-27 season after winning three consecutive Premiership Women’s Rugby titles with Gloucester-Hartpury.
Her two-try performance against South Africa provided another standout moment for the Tongan-Welsh forward as Wales opened their WXV campaign in commanding fashion.
