Blog Banner

Wilkins remains ever-present for Wales Women

International | 5th March 2019


Cardiff Blues outside half, Robyn Wilkins, retains the Wales number 10 jersey as Rowland Phillips' side travel to Scotland for the fourth round of Women's Six Nations action (Friday 8 March, KO 7.40pm)

Wilkins features in the Wales Women starting line-up for the eighth consecutive game, as they seek their first win of the campaign in Scotstoun, with the encounter shown live on BBC Two Wales.

Phillips' side suffered a heavy defeat to Championship leaders, England, at Cardiff Arms Park last time out, while they also lost to France and drew away in Italy.

The head coach has made two changes to his backline for the trip to Glasgow, with Lauren Smyth and Lleucu George both returning to the starting XV.

Cardiff Blues' Hannah Bluck makes way for George at inside centre, with Smyth replacing the experienced Elinor Snowsill at full back.

Cardiff Blues' teenage flanker, Manon Johnes, also returns to the fold, and is named amongst the replacements, having missed out on the home clash against the Red Roses.

Johnes made her bow on the international stage during the autumn win over South Africa, and will have one eye on a starting spot for the final day clash against Ireland at the Arms Park.

Head coach Phillips said: "We've been able to take positives from all three games so far in the tournament, despite the disappointing results. Now we need to build on our strengths and make further progress in other areas to produce an improved performance all round against Scotland.

"Our defence has been good as has our set-piece, and we showed against England that we can produce good attacking play too when we get the ball.

"Historically, there's not much between Wales and Scotland, it will be like a cup final for both of us. Scotland are a good side and had a positive autumn campaign so they will be disappointed by the start of their Six Nations.

"We have to concentrate on ourselves. We have confidence in our processes, we know we have the talent in our squad and if we show what we are capable of, the results will come".

Wales' final match of the Women's Six Nations is against Ireland at Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday 17 March (1.30pm). Tickets are available from the Cardiff Blues ticketing site.

Wales Women: Lauren Smyth (Ospreys); Jasmine Joyce (Scarlets), Hannah Jones (Scarlets), Lleucu George (Scarlets), Jess Kavanagh (RGC); Robyn Wilkins (Blues), Keira Bevan (Ospreys); Caryl Thomas (Dragons), Carys Phillips (capt, Ospreys), Amy Evans (Ospreys), Gwen Crabb (Ospreys), Mel Clay (Ospreys), Alex Callender (Scarlets), Bethan Lewis (Dragons) Siwan Lillicrap (Ospreys)

Replacements: Kelsey Jones (Ospreys), Cara Hope (Ospreys), Cerys Hale (Dragons), Alisha Butchers (Scarlets), Manon Johnes (Cardiff Blues), Ffion Lewis (Scarlets), Lisa Neumann (RGC); Elinor Snowsill (Bristol Bears)