Berry becomes the 6th Welsh player to reach the historic landmark and will play alongside four out of the five other ’50 cappers’ in Ireland – Louise Rickard, Liza Burgess, Non Evans and Rhian Williams. The final member of the exclusive ’50 Club’, Dawn Mason, is missing due to injury.Â
National Squad Coaches, Fielies Coetsee and Jason Lewis, have named a squad that features only two changes from the side that defeated Scotland a fortnight ago. Rachel Brown will join Liza Burgess in the second row, with Claire Donovan as a replacement. Dawn Mason is unavailable through injury, allowing the uncapped Vikki Gaylard to take a place on the subs bench.Â
Having lost 6-11 at the hands of the Irish last season, Wales are looking to set the record straight this time around. After defeating a strong Scottish side, the Welsh will go into the game feeling positive that they have a great chance to make an impact.
Head Coach, Fielies Coetsee, commented on the game “Following the victory against the Scots, we go into this game confidently. However, there is still lots we can improve on to reach our full potential. Ireland seem to gain in strength year-on-year and the girls are well aware of the challenge that faces them.”Â
Wales Team (1 to 22)
Amy Broadstock (Llandaff North);Â Rhian Bowden (UWIC);Â Louise Horgan (Saracens);Â Liza Burgess (Tylorstown/Clifton);Â Rachel Brown (Waterloo);Â Catrina Nicholas (Cardiff Quins);Â Jamie Kift (Tylorstown/Clifton);Â Kylie Wilson (Waterloo);Â Mel Berry (Worcester);Â Naomi Thomas (Tylorstown/Clifton);Â Rachel Poolman (UWIC);Â Clare Flowers (Tylorstown/Clifton);Â Rhian Williams (Wasps);Â Louise Rickard (Saracens);Â Non Evans (Tylorstown/Clifton);
Claire Horgan (Waterloo);Â Jenny Davies (Caernarfon);Â Vikki Gaylard (Llandaff North);Â Claire Donovan (Saracens);Â Amy Day (UWIC);Â Elen Evans (Dolgellau);Â Philippa Tuttiett (UWIC)
