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Sean Lynn makes two changes to Wales ahead of England clash
Wales head coach Sean Lynn has made only two changes to the team that lost 21-24 to Scotland in the opening round of the Women’s Six Nations.
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Gwenllian Pyrs and Gwen Crabb both come into the starting XV at prop and lock respectively, after coming on as replacements last weekend.
Pyrs will join Carys Phillips and Jenni Scoble in the front row, the latter making her second start for Wales.
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Abbie Fleming will link up with Crabb in the second row, while Alaw Pyrs drops to the bench after making her Six Nations debut in Edinburgh.
The back row is made up entirely of Premiership Women’s Rugby finalists, with Gloucester Hartpury duo Kate Williams and Bethan Lewis as starting flankers, and Saracens’ Georgia Evans at number eight.
Scrum-half and vice-captain Keira Bevan will continue her partnership with Lleucu George at fly-half, with Lisa Neumann and Carys Cox named on the wing.
Captain Hannah Jones will be joined by Harlequins utility back Kayleigh Powell in the midfield.
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Alex Callender (foot injury) and Alisha Butchers (illness) were both unavailable for selection.
The WRU have already sold over 18,000 tickets for the match at the Principality Stadium – which is set to be a record-breaking crowd for a women’s sporting event in Wales, surpassing the 16,845 attendance for the Wales women’s Euro Play-off at the end of 2024.
Head coach Lynn told the Women’s Six Nations website: “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.
“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.
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“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.”
Wales team to face England, Saturday 29 March, 16:45 GMT
15 Jasmine Joyce (Bristol Bears)
14 Lisa Neumann (Harlequins)
13 Hannah Jones ( Captain, Gloucester Hartpury)
12 Kayleigh Powell (Harlequins)
11 Carys Cox (Trailfinders)
10 Lleucu George (Gloucester Hartpury)
9 Keira Bevan (Vice-captain, Bristol Bears)
1 Gwenllian Pyrs (Sale Sharks)
2 Carys Phillips (Harlequins)
3 Jenni Scoble (Gwalia Lightning)
4 Abbie Fleming (Harlequins)
5 Gwen Crabb (Gloucester Hartpury)
6 Kate Williams (Gloucester Hartpury)
7 Bethan Lewis (Gloucester Hartpury)
8 Georgia Evans (Saracens)
Replacements
16 Kelsey Jones (Gloucester Hartpury)
17 Maisie Davies (Gwalia Lightning)
18 Donna Rose (Saracens)
19 Alaw Pyrs (Gwalia Lightning)
20 Bryonie King (Gwalia Lightning),
21 Meg Davies (Gloucester Hartpury)
22 Courtney Keight (Bristol Bears)
23 Nel Metcalfe (Gloucester Hartpury)
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