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Bluck and Parker set for Twickenham Stoop showdown

7th February 2018


Two Cardiff Blues Women players have been named in Rowland Phillips' Wales side to take on England at Twickenham Stoop on Saturday (KO 12.15pm)

Wing Hannah Bluck retains her place following a try-scoring debut in last week's narrow victory over Scotland at Parc Eirias.

Meanwhile, Rhiannon Parker, who was on the bench last week, has been promoted to the starting line-up, and will take up the number nine shirt.

The scrum half was named Cardiff Blues Women's Player of the Year last season.

Bluck was delighted with the impact she made on her debut, but she expects a tough test against the defending Six Nations champions.

"It felt amazing to get out there and play on Friday, although there was a mix of excitement and nerves before the game," said Bluck.

"I went over from the try after a pass by Siwan [Lillicrap]. I was so happy to get over the line.

"It was good to see that many people turn out to watch the game in Colwyn Bay, and it was also great to have my father and my uncle on the sidelines.

"It's been really exciting to be part of the set-up and training has been as intense as anything I've experienced in the past.

"I just want to enjoy every minute but I also need to take each day as it comes and keep my feet on the ground. I need to keep training hard, stay focused and try to keep my place in that team.

"We'll be trying to carry momentum from the win against Scotland into Saturday's game, but we're expecting a tough game.

"England did well against Italy last week, but there is a belief in this squad."

Phillips has been boosted by the return of experienced duo, Elinor Snowsill and Sioned Harries, following last week's Super 7s competition in Brisbane. 

Wales Women team to face England

15 Elinor Snowsill (Dragons)
14 Hannah Bluck (Cardiff Blues)
13 Kerin Lake (Ospreys)
12 Rebecca De Filippo (Dragons)
11 Jess Kavanagh-Williams (RGC)
10 Robyn Wilkins (Ospreys)
9 Rhiannon Parker (Cardiff Blues)
1 Caryl Thomas (Scarlets)
2 Carys Phillips (Ospreys) (c)
3 Amy Evans (Ospreys)
4 Siwan Lillicrap (Ospreys)
5 Mel Clay (Ospreys)
6 Alisha Butchers (Scarlets)
7 Beth Lewis (Scarlets)
8 Sioned Harries (Scarlets)

Replacements

16 Kelsey Jones (Ospreys)
17 Gwenllian Pyrs (RGC)
18 Cerys Hale (Dragons)
19 Natalia John (Ospreys)
20 Nia Elen Davies (Scarlets)
21 Jade Knight (Scarlets)
22 Lleucu George (Scarlets)
23 Hannah Jones (Scarlets)