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Johnes rewarded with first Wales start

13th November 2018


Cardiff Blues duo, Robyn Wilkins and Manon Johnes, will start for Wales Women in Friday's Test against Hong Kong at Cardiff Arms Park (KO 7.00pm)

17-year-old back row, Johnes, impressed on her senior debut for Rowland Phillips' side during Saturday's impressive victory over South Africa.

The Ysgol Gyfun Glantaf pupil was a first half replacement against the Boks, replacing injured Cardiff Blues Community Foundation rugby officer, Alisha Butchers, who plys her trade with Scarlets.

Outside half, Wilkins, contributed four points in the 19-5 win on Saturday, converting two of Wales' three tries.

Head coach, Phillips, said: "There is no chance of us underestimating Hong Kong, However, we are maximising the opportunity of an intense international period to build strength in depth as we build towards the Six Nations.

"We're pleased with last weekend's performance, especially with how the girls fronted up physically and defensively and there is plenty to build on.

"We had four first caps against South Africa and they all get a chance to build on that experience on Friday. Manon, who came on earlier than expected showed what she is capable of. While it's a young squad, there is a spine of experience too.

"It's outstanding to have this three Test series to try things out and take the knowledge into the Six Nations.

"We were buoyed by a great crowd last Saturday, it would be good to have the same vocal support again on Friday night to kick off the international weekend."

Wales Women v Hong Kong, Friday 16 Nov 7pm, Cardiff Arms Park
Lauren Smyth (Ospreys); Jasmine Joyce (Scarlets), Alecs Donovan (Ospreys), Alicia McComish (Dragons), Lisa Neumann (RGC); Robyn Wilkins (Cardiff Blues), Ffion Lewis (Scarlets); Cara Hope (Ospreys), Kelsey Jones (Ospreys), Cerys Hale (Dragons), Gwen Crabb (Ospreys), Mel Clay (Ospreys), Manon Johnes (Cardiff Blues), Bethan Lewis (Dragons), Sioned Harries (capt, Scarlets)
Replacements: Carys Phillips (Ospreys), Caryl Thomas (Dragons), Amy Evans (Ospreys), Natalia John (Ospreys), Siwan Lillicrap (Ospreys), Keira Bevan (Ospreys), Hannah Jones (Scarlets), Jess Kavanagh (RGC)