Sean Lynn has named an unchanged 23, with only two swaps from the starting XV to the bench, ahead of their Six Nations match with England.

Prop Gwenllian Pyrs comes into the starting XV in place of Maisie Davies, while her sister – Alaw Pyrs – is replaced by Gwen Crabb.

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) announced on Thursday morning that 18,000 tickets had been sold for the Women’s Six Nations match with England, meaning the clash of rivals will potentially be played in front of a record crowd for women’s sport in Wales this Saturday.

Unchanged back line

After springing a few surprises with his first squad selection last week, new coach Sean Lynn has opted for continuity ahead of this weekend’s match with England, who are the reigning Six Nations champions.

Halfbacks Keira Bevan and Lleucu George continue their partnership, while Kayleigh Powell and Hannah Jones – a new combination for Wales – will once again start together.

In the back three, Carys Cox, Lisa Neumann, and Jasmine Joyce get another go starting together, with replacements backs Meg Davies, Courtney Keight, and Nel Metcalfe again unchanged.

Experience added in the forwards

With England posing perhaps the toughest test Wales will in this year’s tournament, Lynn has brought the experience of Gwenllian Pyrs and Crabb into the starting line-up.

They replace teenagers Alaw Pyrs and Davies, who impressed on their first Six Nations starts last week.

‘The best team in the world’

Speaking ahead of Sautrday’s match, Lynn was effusive in his praise for Wales’s opponents.

“To have so many of the Welsh rugby family recognise these players as representing them and turning out to support is an exciting and humbling moment for all the players, coaches and staff,” said Lynn.

“We took the first step of this team’s new journey against Scotland and the prospect of playing in front of a record rugby crowd at the home of Welsh rugby – the Principality Stadium – is recognition of the growth in the women’s game.

“The players have been told to be brave and to believe in their ability to compete at the highest level. Most of this squad play in England and train alongside the Red Roses.

“We have coached and played against them, and we know what they will bring, but this is about us and how we want to perform in the Capital City.

“England are the best team in the world and are many people’s favourites for another Grand Slam and for the 2025 World Cup. We shouldn’t shy away from the challenge ahead of us but relish the opportunity to test ourselves against them in front of a passionate Welsh crowd.”

Kildunne wins 50th cap as England ring changes

England have made 13 change to their team that beat Italy 38-5 last weekend.

The only survivors from that victory are captain Zoe Aldcroft and number eight Maddie Feaunati, who are joined in the back row by Sadia Kabeya.

The new front row includes Bristol Bears duo Lark Atkin-Davies and Sarah Bern, with Mackenzie Carson at tighthead, while Abbie Ward and Morwenna Talling replace Rosie Galligan and Lilli Ives Campion.

Reigning World Player of the Year, Ellie Kildunne, earns her 50th cap for England as she makes her return to starting international action. Experienced wingers Jess Breach and Abby Dow are on the wings.

Emily Scarratt and Holly Aitchison are replaced by Tatyana Heard and Megan Jones in the centres. Lucy Packer and Helena Rowland, last week’s half back partnership, have to settle for a place on the bench as Natasha Hunt and Zoe Harrison – both involved in the PWR final – also return.

Teams

Wales

Jasmine Joyce; Lisa Neumann, Hannah Jones (capt), Kayleigh Powell, Carys Cox; Lleucu George, Keira Bevan; Gwenllian Pyrs, Carys Phillips, Jenni Scoble; Abbie Fleming, Gwen Crabb; Kate Williams, Bethan Lewis, Georgia Evans.

Replacements

Kelsey Jones, Maisie Davies, Donna Rose, Alaw Pyrs, Bryonie King, Meg Davies, Courtney Keight, Nel Metcalfe.

England

Ellie Kildunne; Abby Dow, Megan Jones, Tatyana Heard, Jess Breach; Zoe Harrison, Natasha Hunt; Mackenzie Carson, Lark Atkin-Davies, Sarah Bern; Morwenna Talling, Abbie Ward; Zoe Aldcroft (capt), Sadia Kabeya, Maddie Feaunati.

Replacements

Amy Cokayne, Hannah Botterman, Maud Muir, Rosie Galligan, Abi Burton, Lucy Packer, Holly Aitchison, Helena Rowland.

 

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