Liza Burgess has named her Wales Women’s side to take on Ireland in the third and final round of the Six Nations Women’s U21 Series at Ystrad Mynach, on Sunday 10 May. (KO 2pm).
Wales’ head coach had made five changes to the side which defeated Italy in the second round of the campaign at Piacenza Stadio, in northern Italy.
Brython Thunder winger Mabli Evans replaces Aimee Bush while Jenna de Vera, who played for Sean Lynn’s senior side against England at Ashton Gate, comes in for Freya Bell out inside centre.
There are three changes in the pack, all in the front row. Gwalia Lightning’s Crystal James replaces Stella Orrin at loosehead prop while her clubmate Molly Wakely slides in at hooker instead of Shanelle Williams while Cardiff Met’s Elizabeth Cook gets her opportunity at tighthead prop with Elan Jones dropping to the bench.
“The girls have trained really well since winning against Italy where they showed plenty of resilience to come away with a victory under extreme pressure against a very good Italy side,” said Burgess.
“Ireland offer a fresh challenge but the girls are determined to put in a good performance to finish the Six nations U21 Series on a bright note in front of a home crowd.
“It’s great we can bring Jenna back into the squad after her performance with Wales against England. Her elevation to the senior squad, along with that of Amy Williams and Freya Bell, is an inspiration to all the girls.
“We’re excited at the prospect of taking on Ireland which promises to be an exciting and competitive game to finish the Six Nations.
Wales Women U21 v Ireland U21, Sunday 10 May, Ystrad Mynach KO 2pm
15 Amy Williams (Brython Thunder)
14 Mabli Evans (Brython Thunder)
13 Hanna Tudor (N/A)
12 Jenna De Vera (Bristol Bears)
11 Kelsie Webster (Gwalia Lightning)
10 Hanna Marshall (Brython Thunder)
9 Sian Jones (Gloucester-Hartpury/Gwalia Lightning);
1 Crystal James (Gwalia Lightning/Ealing Trailfinders)
2 Molly Wakely (Gwalia Lightning)
3 Elizabeth Cook (Cardiff Met)
4 Robyn Davies (Brython Thunder)
5 Alaw Pyrs (Gwalia Lightning)
6 Lily Terry ( VC ) (Gwalia Lightning)
7 Lucy Isaac (Brython Thunder)
8 Gwennan Hopkins (Capt) (Gwalia Lightning)
Replacements
16 Shanelle Williams (Brython Thunder)
17 Katherine Baverstock (Gwalia Lightning)
18 Elan Jones (Brython Thunder)
19 Chiara Pearce (Gwalia Lightning)
20 Kendall Waudby (Loughborough Lightning)
21 Lily Hawkins (Gwalia Lightning)
22 Isla McMullen (Gwalia Lightning)
23 Carys Hughes (Gwalia Lightning)