Ireland may have already secured the title and are going for
the Grand Slam against Italy, but the Welsh ladies know a big win over the
English, coupled with a Scottish upset against France, could earn them the
runners-up crown.
They make six changes to the side to face England at the
Talbot Athletic Ground. Amy Day replaces Laura Prosser at scrum half, while
Charlie Murray makes her first start of the campaign after impressing as a
replacement in Sunday’s win away to Scotland where she scored a second half
try. Philippa Tuttiett makes way for her on the wing.
The pack has been boosted with 157 caps’ worth of experience
as prop Jenny Davies, hooker Lowri Harries, second row Gemma Hallett and back
row Catrina Nicholas all come in. Megan York, Carys Phillips, Vicky Owens and
Nia Davies all move down to the bench.
Head coach Rhys Edwards has faith in his changes, saying: “Charlie
had her first opportunity against Scotland and looked dangerous every time she
got her hands on the ball. She took her try really well, while Amy also did
well when she got her chance.
“In the forwards, all the players who are coming in for the
England game made an impact when they came on against Scotland. They steadied
the ship in what was a tough game in demanding conditions. We can’t afford to
start slowly against England so I think their experience will prove
invaluable.”
England, France, Wales and Italy are all tied on four points
going in to the final round of games. With Italy hosting Ireland, if the Irish
continue with form then Wales know that a win over England will mean only they
and France will be in contention for second.
France’s current points difference of +36 (Wales are currently
on -20) means that, really, they have to hope for a Scottish win. However, if
Scotland can keep the score down against France, if Wales then thump England
the race for second will still be on.
As well as immediate honours in the 6 Nations, there is also
further reward at stake. Wales’ win against Scotland last Sunday edged them in
front of Italy for the last spot up for grabs in the race for automatic
qualification for next year’s World Cup.
“Italy still have an outside chance of overturning that, but
they would have to beat Ireland this weekend and we would have to concede an
avalanche of points against England,” Edwards added.
“Our mindset is to go out and beat England. We played well
against Ireland in our first game to lose by only two points. The following
week they then beat England 25-0. We’ve just to go for it.”
The match kicks off at 2.30pm.
Wales Women team to
face England Women:
15 Dyddgy Hywel
(Caernarfon)
14 Caryl James
(Cardiff Quins)
13 Elen Evans
(Waterloo)
12 Rebecca de Filippo
(Cardiff Quins)
11 Charlie Murray
(Neath Athletic)
10 Elinor Snowsill
(Bristol)
9 Amy Day
(Unattached);
1 Jenny Davies
(Waterloo)
2 Lowri Harries (Neath
Athletic)
3 Catrin Edwards
(Cardiff Quins)
4 Gemma Hallett
(Pontyclun)
5 Shona Powell-Hughes
(Neath Athletic)
6 Catrina Nicholas
(Cardiff Quins)
7 Sioned Harries
(Cardiff Quins)
8 Rachel Taylor
(Bristol - captain)
Replacements:
Carys Phillips
(Cardiff Met)
Megan York (Blaenau
Gwent)
Bethan Howell (Seven
Sisters)
Nia Davies (Cardiff
Met)
Vicky Owens
(Pontyclun)
Laura Prosser
(Pontyclun)
Philippa Tuttiett
(Cardiff Quins)
Leila Johns
(Unattached)
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