Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Wales ended their nine-Test losing streak in style in what was a statement victory in this Sean Lynn era.

They scored eight tries thanks to a mixture of power and precision but there was also defensive steel to frustrate South Africa in the red zone on several occasions.

Lynn, with his new-look management team in place, has backed youth and got the rewards. Wales looked fitter, played at pace and were a tight unit.

Siwan Lillicrap said it, Wales have been in dark places but this was a performance of serious promise.

So many players stood tall with Amy Williams, Lisa Neumann, Georgia Evans, Sisilia Tuipulotu and Freya Bell all pushing Alex Callender hard for the player of the match award.

Lynn won’t get carried away and will demand a repeat against USA, but Wales deserve to enjoy their night.

Join us next Saturday when they look to go two from two in the WXV Global Series.

Image source, Getty Images

Wales got the weekend off to a super start and there are eight other fixtures to come in the WXV Global Series this weekend, with the pick of them happening in Exeter on Saturday.

Sandy Park is the venue as England take on Canada (15:00 BST), who they beat in last year's World Cup final at Twickenham. The Red Roses will be chasing a 40th straight win.

Follow that live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

The other Saturday fixtures are Samoa v Spain, Fiji v Hong Kong China, Brazil v Netherlands, Italy v Japan, France v Australia and Scotland v New Zealand.

It could be a cracker on Sunday when Ireland host USA, Wales’ next opponents, in Dublin (13:45 BST).

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Wales head coach Sean Lynn:

"I'm massively pleased for the players and the staff. You could see the intent from us all. The alignment of the attack, the defence, the set-piece. Credit to everyone.

"As a group of staff, we had a massive meeting in July and have worked hard on how we want this Welsh DNA, and you can see evidence of that.

"I want more people coming next week to watch what this team is about. There is more to come. We have to back this up next week."

Jonathan Davies
Former Wales centre on BBC One Wales

Image source, Huw

Sisilia Tuipulotu found herself in positions where she could influence the game. She was impactful in the contact area and is comfortable with the ball in hand.

She is one who can build on this performance and be a world-class player for Wales.

You want three or four of that standard in your team to compete at the highest level. She has the talent to do so.

Wales co-captain Kate Williams:

"It's been a while since I've been on the pitch for a win like that. We have been working so hard for moments like these.

"After all of the tough times we have been through, as a team and Welsh rugby generally, we are going to keep working for the positive feeling to continue.

"What we want out of this WXV Series is more wins."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Wales forward Georgia Evans:

"We have been building to this. The six-week pre-season together has been the biggest thing. We all back each other's abilities and what individual superstars can do.

"We have taken the shackles off. Congratulations to those who have made their debuts, but for those who have been here a while, we have been through it, and we have to climb our way out of this. Seeing those happy tears is amazing.

"The team cohesion comes from the training park and having confidence in each other. We have spent time bonding in camp. We are constantly talking and know each other as people.

"For us, it's about building on this performance and backing it up against a very different USA side."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Wales co-captain Alex Callender:

“I am so proud of the girls. We can’t look too far ahead and we take each games it comes, but I back the girls who take the field and I am so proud of them.

“[This will give us] massive confidence. We don’t really listen to the criticism that comes from the outside. Internally all that matters to us is that we have belief and back each other.

“If we can carry on doing that, I know this team will go far.

“We worked really hard. We know they like their pick-and-goes through the middle so we had to nullify their threats and discipline was a massive one for us, not to give them easy ins, especially with their driving maul and scrum time.

“If I go back to the World Cup last year, we look like a different team.

“It’s a cliche but we are building. Having the actual coaching set-up we have now in full time, and with the girls coming through and the pathway that’s building, that’s only going to make us better.”

Jonathan Davies
Former Wales centre on BBC One Wales

That was a brilliant performance. The bar was set in the first half when Wales gave us a picture of the path they want to go down, playing with tempo.

Wales were comfortable all night and have set a new standard. Hopefully they can build on that as they move through this tournament and kick on. Foundations have been set.

Siwan Lillicrap
Former Wales captain on BBC One Wales

There are exciting times ahead for Wales. I’m pleased for this group of players, after the graft they have put in over the last two years, to see things come together and to be playing with smiles on their faces.

Hugs and smiles from the Wales team after a dominant eight-try display at Cardiff Arms Park.

That performance of power, precision and defensive grit should certainly help ticket sales for the meeting with the USA next Saturday afternoon.

That's it, what a night for Wales.

That is a statement of intent in the Sean Lynn era.

Philippa Tuttiett
Former Wales international on BBC One Wales

Alex Callender is my player of the match. She's captain fantastic and has set the standard from the start, which has been so important to this brilliant Wales performance. That try typified her work rate.

Sean Lynn, with a big tub of Haribo in front of him, has been stood the whole evening in the coaching area.

The head coach will be incredibly proud of his Wales side... but will quickly turn his attention to the USA.

He won't be content with just one victory from their Cardiff fixtures.

Alex Callender gets the vote as player of the match.

A wonderful return to the Test stage by the flanker after injury misfortune.

The Harlequins forward has been in the thick of the action throughout.

Caryl James
Former Wales wing on BBC Radio Cymru

This scoreboard looks really healthy. So many players have impressed, and one who has caught the eye more than others is Freya Bell.

Wales have been looking for someone who is strong, fast and willing to run onto the ball in that position.

Bell has caused so many problems for the South African defence, in addition to her kicking duties.

It's really exciting to see her growth as a player who has just broken through to the squad.

Debuts for Wales - prop Elan Jones and hooker Shanelle Williams are on for their first caps in the front row.

Excellent work by the Welsh defence.

They stand up to the South African power runners and the maul, holding the visitors up over the line again.

More good red zone work by Sean Lynn's side.

Siwan Lillicrap
Former Wales captain on BBC One Wales

Alex Callender comes in around the corner, and she knows where the try line is, but it all comes from Amy Williams.

The young winger beats the defender and has been impressive, both in attack and defence.