Sean Lynn has made seven changes to his Wales squad to face world number two side Canada in their second pool stage match of the Rugby World Cup.

The most notable changes are in the back row, where both co-captains – Alex Callender and Kate Williams – are ruled out through injury, with Bryonie King and Georgia Evans taking their places.

Wales are looking for redemption and a shot at the knockout stages following their record six-try defeat to Scotland last weekend.

In the absence of the co-captains, Bethan Lewis will lead the side for the first time on her 60th cap. There is also a new front row for Wales, with Maisie Daives, Molly Reardon, and Sisilia Tuipulotu coming into the side.

The changes in the pack do not stop there, with Abbie Fleming replacing Alaw Pyrs in the engine room, as the teenager drops out of the 23 altogether.

The only change to the backs is Carys Cox replacing Hannah Dallavalle, with the latter also absent from the squad and Kerin Lake slotting into the 23 shirt on the bench.

“I’ve said to the girls ‘if you are not performing, you’re out’ and individuals just have to step up, and some girls are going to be taking opportunities,” said Lynn.

“We all know that performance wasn’t good enough on Saturday and it’s about putting that to bed now and making sure we have a really good training week.

“We’ve just come back from the training paddock and it’s been a really positive session with good energy. It’s making sure now that on Saturday we’re putting pride back in that jersey.”

Wales’ bench has also had a complete overhaul, with youngsters Tilly Vucaj, Seren Lockwood and uncapped Branwen Metcalfe all given an opportunity.

Gwenllian Pyrs is set for her 50th cap, with Kelsey Jones and Jenni Scoble the other front row replacements.

Kayleigh Powell provides cover in the backs while Lake makes her return from injury.

Canada come into this match off the back of a dominant 11-try victory over pool minnows Fiji, with the highlight being a six-try haul for fullback Julia Schell.

They can guarantee their place in the knockouts with victory over Wales in Salford, while Scotland can join them by beating Fiji later on Saturday.

It would mean Wales would be out of the tournament after just seven days.

“We have taken a hard look at ourselves and there have been honest conversations about the performance we need against one of the best teams in the world,” added Lynn.

“There have been changes and they have been made because players have earned the opportunity in training to play in a World Cup.

“All 23 players selected have been told to be brave and to have no regrets when they walk off the field on Saturday.”

Teams

Wales

Nel Metcalfe; Jasmine Joyce-Butchers, Carys Cox, Courtney Keight, Lisa Neumann; Lleucu George, Keira Bevan; Maisie Davies, Molly Reardon, Sisilia Tuipulotu; Abbie Fleming, Gwen Crabb; Bryonie King, Bethan Lewis (capt), Georgia Evans.

Replacements

Kelsey Jones, Gwenllian Pyrs, Jenni Scoble, Tilly Vucaj, Branwen Metcalfe, Seren Lockwood, Kayleigh Powell, Kerin Lake.

Canada

Julia Schell; Alysha Corrigan, Florence Symonds, Alexandra Tessier, Asia Hogan-Rochester; Taylor Perry, Justine Pelletier; McKinley Hunt, Emily Tuttosi, DaLeaka Menin; Sophie de Goede, Tyson Beukeboom; Caroline Crossley, Karen Paquin, Gabrielle Senft.

Replacements

Gillian Boag, Brittany Kassil, Olivia DeMerchant, Courtney O’Donnell, Fabiola Forteza, Olivia Apps, Claire Gallagher, Shoshanah Seumanutafa.

---

Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.

If you want to read more pieces from Sportin Wales, why not read to our monthly magazine here or subscribe to the magazine and newsletter at https://sportin.wales/subscribe/.

Our podcast is back for the new season and our co-founder Alex Cuthbert is in charge! You can find all the episodes here or the video versions on our YouTube channel.

You can also keep track of our pieces and videos on our socials at @Sportin_Wales on X or Sportin Wales on Instagram and Facebook.