Evans on track for world scoring record

When Wales take on Italy at Bridgend this Sunday it will be a last ditch attempt to salvage what has been an anti-climactic women's rugby 6 Nations, but winning isnt the only thing on the mind of outside back Non Evans.

As one of the stars of Welsh womens rugby for many years, Non is on track to earn one of the greatest accolades in international rugby.

Nons try tally for her country currently stands at 63, just one try short of the 64 held by David Campese for Australia who is second in the world record try scoring tally - and just 6 short of the world record held by Daisuke Ohata of Japan who has 69.

A couple of tries this weekend moves her past Campese and will see her head into the World Cup on the brink of a massive achievement.

The competition this year has been disappointing but we are looking to end it on a high. Weve played against Italy nine times and weve got a 100% record so were looking to keep that record this weekend. As well as winning we need a really good performance and Ive got my fingers crossed that I score a couple of tries!

Wales recorded a superb second place finish in the Six Nations last year and won the Triple Crown, but their performances this year have been somewhat lacklustre. They have secured just one win from four and Non is obviously disillusioned by this, but it is a testament to her experience and strength of character that she wont be defeated by it.

This is the nature of sport and the mens team is in a similar position to us. Its the way you deal with it is whats important and we really need to have a good win against Italy to give us confidence going into the World Cup.

Non admits that injuries and younger players coming through have had more of an impact on how Wales have played than they expected but is adamant that this is part and parcel of any international squad.

Weve had a few injuries as well as players coming up from U20s. Theyre very talented players but senior international rugby is a big step up for them so it has been a development for them. But hopefully thats the development bit done now and well gel over the summer in time for the World Cup.

As one of Wales most experienced players and a talisman on the pitch the impact that Non makes when her country plays is impressive. She is the top points scorer for Wales this Six Nations and despite feeling restricted on the wing against France and Ireland, the 34 year old is playing at close to her best form.

Im feeling fresh and sharp at the moment. Im not carrying any injuries and I know that when I have the ball I can do things with it.

She remains positive that despite a poor campaign so far, this Six Nations has still been good preparation leading up to the World Cup.

Its only going to get better for us, because weve more time together over the summer and well be playing against sides in the World Cup that arent used to us. Were looking for a good game against Italy and two good preparation games against England in the summer. Weve got a very talented squad, but were not clicking at the moment, but hopefully we will do and hopefully itll be in the World Cup.

Wales have drawn the toughest group in the competition, having to play New Zealand, Australia and South Africa and given the structure of this years World Cup, they will have to either win all their group games or finish as the best runner up to secure a spot in a semi.

Our group is tough. I've got to be honest when I first saw the group I was disappointed. Any team in the world that reaches a semi-final can beat anyone, but weve got three tough matches and we're going to have to win all three to go through. I cant see us losing one game and going through as someone in another group will have more bonus points than us because there are weaker teams in the other groups.

Saying all of that though New Zealand arent going to have the best preparation. Their games against Canada in the summer have been cancelled and theyve lost a lot of financial support from the NZRU. Australia dont play many fixtures despite having a great sevens team and South Africa are still very much a development side.

Non turns 35 this summer and after a glowing international career she insists that this World Cup will be her last. In typical Welsh, (and Non) fashion she is brimming with optimism and after many years playing at the top of her game and a Campaze record about to be rattled it is an optimism she has earned.

This will definitely be my last World Cup. Im probably going to finish in the next season or two. It depends on how the World Cup goes whether I stick around for a couple more seasons or whether I finish. Hopefully Ill be retiring after the World Cup because well have won it!

Image: (c) Zoe Back