Head coach Sean Lynn has named his Wales Women’s side to face France in Round 2 of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations this Saturday (April 18, KO: 3.35pm) at Cardiff Arms Park, as the team returns to its spiritual home for a huge international occasion.
Flanker Kate Williams captains the side, with Lynn making two changes to the starting XV following last weekend’s encouraging performance against Scotland. Scrum-half Seren Lockwood is handed her first Six Nations start, while Olympic bronze medallist Jasmine Joyce returns on the wing, bringing a wealth of experience and attacking threat.
Wales will look to build momentum in front of a home crowd as they take on a France side who opened their campaign with victory over Italy.
Speaking ahead of the fixture, Lynn highlighted the importance of building on last weekend’s progress:
“We took a real step forward as a group against Scotland, and there was clear evidence of what we are building. There’s still work to do, but this is another opportunity to develop the style of rugby we want to play.
“France are one of the best teams in the world, and we know the challenge they bring. But this is about us-our performance, our growth, and taking another step forward.”
Lynn also emphasised the role supporters can play, particularly with the return to Cardiff Arms Park:
“The support we had last weekend made a real difference. The noise and energy lifted the players in those crucial final moments. Playing back at Cardiff Arms Park, we want that same passion-our supporters truly inspire this team.”
Wales will be aiming to deliver a strong performance against one of the tournament favourites, as a big home crowd roaring the team on could make all the difference.
Wales Starting XV
- Gwenllian Pyrs (Sale Sharks)
- Kelsey Jones (Gloucester/Hartpury)
- Sisilia Tuipulotu (Gloucester/Hartpury/Brython Thunder)
- Jorja Aiono (Brython Thunder)
- Gwen Crabb (Brython Thunder)
- Bethan Lewis (Gloucester/Hartpury/Gwalia Lightning)
- Kate Williams (c) (Gloucester/Hartpury/Brython Thunder)
- Bryonie King (Gwalia Lightning)
- Seren Lockwood (Brython Thunder/Gloucester/Hartpury)
- Lleucu George (Gloucester/Hartpury)
- Jasmine Joyce (Bristol Bears/Brython Thunder)
- Courtney Keight (Sale Sharks/Brython Thunder)
- Carys Cox (Ealing Trailfinders)
- Seren Singleton (Brython Thunder)
- Kayleigh Powell (Harlequins)
REPLACEMENTS
- Molly Reardon (Gwalia Lightning)
- Maisie Davies (Gwalia Lightning/Bristol Bears)
- Donna Rose (Saracens)
- Natalia John (Brython Thunder)
- Branwen Metcalfe (Brython Thunder)
- Georgia Evans (Saracens)
- Keira Bevan (Bristol Bears)
- Hannah Dallavalle (Gloucester/Hartpury)