Wales Women head coach Warren Abrahams has announced an ‘exciting’ team to face Scotland in their final Women’s Six Nations game on Saturday (5pm, Scotstoun, BBC Scotland and BBC iplayer).
There are nine changes and three positional from the side that played Ireland two weeks’ ago through a mixture of injuries and tactical choices.
Centre and GB Sevens hopeful Hannah Jones will captain the side with Siwan Lillicrap ruled out through an ankle injury and Georgia Evans will step up as vice-captain.
Scrum-half Megan Davies will make her first start for Wales, and there is a first Six Nations start – and first at hooker – for Robyn Lock.
Olympian flyer Jasmine Joyce returns from GB Sevens duty, starting at full-back, Caitlin Lewis comes in on the left wing and Gemma Rowland partners Jones in the centre with Kerin Lake unavailable. Robyn Wilkins reverts to her preferred position at outside-half.
Up front, with Lillicrap out, Bethan Dainton comes into the back row on the openside, Manon Johnes shifts to the blindside and Georgia Evans moves to No 8. Caryl Thomas, Donna Rose and Teleri Wyn Davies get the nod in the front five.
Gwenllian Jenkins, Abbie Fleming, Shona Powell-Hughes, Jade Knight and Megan Webb are all set to make their first appearances of the Six Nations if they come off the bench.
Abrahams said, “We’re excited about the opportunity to go out one more time in a Six Nations match and represent the jersey.
“We have some injuries – Siwan in particular is a big loss as captain and one of our stand-out players to date – but equally it’s a chance to give others the opportunity to put their hands up with the Rugby World Cup next year.
“It’s good to see some leaders getting additional responsibility with Hannah Jones as captain and another of our leaders Georgia stepping up as vice-captain.
“I’m excited by the backline with some of the younger players such as Meg Davies and Caitlin Lewis hungry for opportunities and Jaz will no doubt add some spice at full-back.
“It’s a privilege to be in this position, opportunities like these don’t come around every day so we have to take responsibility now and make this one count.
“We know we didn’t start well in our first two matches, we have to make sure we get straight out from the blocks on Saturday and build our innings from there.
“I always believe in the team, and I know if they can get themselves in the best possible mindset, get on the front foot and make some bold decisions, they can show what they’re made of.”
Wales Women v Scotland:
Jasmine Joyce; Lisa Neumann, Gemma Rowland, Hannah Jones (capt), Caitlin Lewis; Robyn Wilkins, Megan Davies; Caryl Thomas, Robyn Lock, Donna Rose, Natalia John, Teleri Wyn Davies, Manon Johnes, Bethan Dainton, Georgia Evans (vice-capt)
Replacements: Kelsey Jones, Gwenllian Jenkins, Cerys Hale, Gwen Crabb, Shona Powell-Hughes, Abbie Fleming, Jade Knight, Megan Webb
Add Comment