Lockwood handed start as Joyce returns for Six Nations second round



Rhodri Evans

Seren Lockwood will start her first Six Nations game for Wales as Sean Lynn makes two changes to his team to take on France.

Lockwood replaces Keira Bevan in the starting XV, while Joyce comes in for the injured Lisa Neumann.

Wales lost narrowly last weekend at the Principality Stadium, defeated 19-24 by Scotland. France had a much more comfortable opening round, beating Italy 40-7.

Wales return to the squad’s usual home of Cardiff Arms Park for the clash with France. Captain Kate Williams continues in the back row, alongside Bethan Lewis and Bryonie King.

The front five is unchanged, with experienced front rowers Gwenllian Pyrs, Kelsey Jones, and Sisilia Tuipulotu all keeping their starting spots.

Jorja Aiono, who made her debut last weekend, is partnered by Brython Thunder captain Gwen Crabb in the second row.

In the backs, Lockwood forms a new half back partnership with Lleucu George, while centres Courtney Keight and Carys Cox keep their places.

Joyce comes into the back three on the left wing, while Seren Singleton, who impressed on debut last week, and Kayleigh Powell take the 14 and 15 shirts respectively.

Bevan shifts to the bench, while Molly Reardon, Maisie Davies, Donna Rose, Branwen Metcalfe, Georgia Evans, and Hannah Dallavalle all continue their finishing roles.

The only other change sees the experienced Natalia John replace Alaw Pyrs.

“We took a real step forward as a group of players, coaches and staff against Scotland and there was real evidence of what we have started to build,” said Lynn.

“We still have work to do as a squad and coaches, but this is another game to hone the style of rugby we want to play. France are one of the best teams in the world and we know they will pose a real challenge, but this is about us delivering a performance and taking another step forward.

“We will need the same grit, determination and fight we showed against Scotland in the dying moments against France.

“The Welsh supporters had a real impact on the players and the noise they generated really pushed the team forward in the closing minutes of the Scotland game.

“The supporters need to know how important they are and how much they inspire the players, and we look forward to them doing the same against France.”

Teams

Wales

Kayleigh Powell; Seren Singleton, Carys Cox, Courtney Keight, Jasmine Joyce; Lleucu George, Seren Lockwood; Gwenllian Pyrs, Kelsey Jones, Sisilia Tuipulotu; Jorja Aiono, Gwen Crabb; Bethan Lewis, Kate Williams (capt), Bryonie King.

Replacements

Molly Reardon, Maisie Davies, Donna Rose, Natalia John, Branwen Metcalfe, Georgia Evans, Keira Bevan, Hannah Dallavalle.

France

Pauline Barrat; Anais Grando, Aubane Rousset, Gabrielle Vernier, Lea Murie; Carla Arbez, Pauline Bourdon-Sansus; Yllana Brosseau, Mathilde Lazarko, Assia Khalfaoui; Kiara Zago, Madoussou Fall-Raclot; Axelle Berthoumieu, Manae Feleu (capt), Lea Champon.

Replacements

Elisa Riffonneau, Ambre Mwayembe, Annaelle Deshaye, Siobhan Soqeta, Charlotte Escudero, Alexandra Chambon, Lina Queyroi, Teani Feleu.


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