Ioan Cunningham has made six changes for this weekend’s game including the selection of scrum-half Sian Jones for her first Wales start.

Jones made her debut against Scotland last week in the final six minutes and Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham predicts a bright future.

“She’s a great rugby player that tactically understands the game in a natural way,” say Cunningham.

“Watching her over the last year with the U20s and the Celtic challenge she kicks well and with a good variety of kicks.

“She’s physical, loves defending which is good as a nine it means you can have an extra defender in the line and she has an open mindset and wants to learn, she’s got a big future ahead of her.”

Jones’ debut ended on a difficult note on Saturday against Scotland with her kick going out of play and the last play of the match as Wales lost 18 points to 20.

However, before that she had impressed with her quick distribution and passing technique.

“We asked for her to get the ball away as quick as she could, pick our tempo up and she did that it was brilliant,” said Cunningham.

“She stuck at it and we’re excited by this week.

“We’ve told her to enjoy it, be herself and not to worry about any errors, just to focus on the next play and we’re really chuffed she’s come through our system and we’ve got her.”

As mentioned, Jones is one of six changes for this weekend.

Another is Kate Williams coming in at blindside flanker with Alisha Butchers dropping to the bench.

Not having Butchers in a starting XV would have seemed absurd two years ago but with the form of Bethan Lewis and Alex Callender Cunningham is blessed with options in his back row.

“We’ve seen the evolution of our team over the last few months where Kate Williams is now in our squad and a player within our group challenging with Alisha Butchers,” said Cunningham.

“We can flirt with Georgia Evans at six maybe in the second row as well as Alex Callender.”

Another backrower in Wales’ squad is 19-year-old Gwennan Hopkins who shone during the Celtic Challenge.

“We haven’t looked at Gwennan Hopkins yet, who is a fantastic young player who will come through and will get an opportunity during this campaign,” said Cunningham.

“We always joke as coaches that the last players off the training ground are Gwennan, Sian, Nel Metcalfe because they just love being on the field, kicking the ball, passing the ball and that’s great for us to see.

“Gwennan is an explosive ball carrier and we’ve seen that in the Celtic Challenge, showed great footwork close to contact, subtle movement and we’re really excited.

“She’s grown and learnt our structures over the last four weeks and to give her that opportunity over the next four weeks will be something we’re looking to do.”