WALES women look to bounce back from two defeats in a row as they host Italy in their penultimate match of the Six Nations.
Wales lost to Ireland 35-12 a fortnight ago and coach Rowland Phillips has made three changes to the side in an attempt to get back to winning ways.
Jess Kavanagh-Williams is the only player remaining from the back three that featured against Ireland. Hannah Jones slots into fullback and right wing Jaz Joyce makes her first start of the tournament after returning from sevens preparation for next month’s Commonwealth Games in Australia.
Kiera Bevan comes back into the starting line-up for the first time since picking up an ankle injury during the autumn internationals. Meanwhile, Robyn Wilkins returns to the side at inside centre.
Speaking about the game against Italy, Phillips said: We’ve shown enough glimpses of our potential, both in victory and defeat, to give us a lot of encouragement.”
The match takes place at the Principality Stadium and Phillips hopes that it will be a great occasion for both the players and fans.
“We’ve got a great platform now to show the Welsh public what women’s rugby is all about, and in particular what Wales Women are about as a team. I hope we can do that on Sunday,” he said.
“It’s a huge opportunity for us, and it’s great that the WRU has given us this chance to play in the best stadium in the world. There’s an incentive there in the venue alone, but our focus needs to be Italy and getting our game right.”
Former netball and jockey player Alecs Donovan could make her debut at the weekend following Player of the Match performance in the uncapped match against the Armed Forces last November.
- The match kicks off at 11.45am on Sunday and is live on BBC Two Wales.
