Wales make two changes after taking 'a real step forward'

Sean Lynn has called on Wales Women to continue to “hone the style of rugby we want to play” after his side showed “real evidence of what we have started to build” in their opening defeat to Scotland.

Lynn has made two changes for France including the return of experienced wing Jasmine Joyce, who comes into the side after Lisa Neumann was ruled out of the rest of the championship through injury.

Seren Lockwood also comes in at scrum-half, with the experienced Keira Bevan dropping to the bench, as Kate Williams’ once again captaining the side. Williams try secured a losing bonus point for Wales on the opening weekend against Scotland.

Discussing the performance against Scotland, Lynn said: “We took a real step forward as a group of players, coaches and staff against Scotland and there was real evidence of what we have started to build.

“We still have work to do as a squad and coaches, but this is another game to hone the style of rugby we want to play.

“France are one of the best teams in the world and we know they will pose a real challenge, but this is about us delivering a performance and taking another step forward. We will need the same grit, determination and fight we showed against Scotland in the dying moments against France.”

Lynn also praised the supporters who attended last weekend’s game in the Principality Stadium, with Wales this weekend hosting France at Cardiff Arms Park.

“The Welsh supporters had a real impact on the players and the noise they generated really pushed the team forward in the closing minutes of the Scotland game,” Lynn added.

“The supporters need to know how important they are and how much they inspire the players, and we look forward to them doing the same against France.”

Wales squad v France

15 Kayleigh Powell (29 caps)
14 Seren Singleton (one cap)
13 Carys Cox (24 caps)
12 Courtney Keight (29 caps)
11 Jasmine Joyce (53 caps)
10 Lleucu George (36 caps)
9 Seren Lockwood (five caps)
1 Gwenllian Pyrs (52 caps)
2 Kelsey Jones (53 caps)
3 Sisilia Tuipulotu (31 caps)
4 Jorja Aiono (one cap)
5 Gwen Crabb (40 caps)
6 Bethan Lewis (62 caps)
7 Kate Williams (Captain, 25 caps)
8 Bryonie King (13 caps)

Replacements
16 Molly Reardon (13 caps)
17 Maisie Davies (13 caps)
18 Donna Rose (38 caps)
19 Natalia John (48 caps)
20 Branwen Metcalfe (two caps)
21 Georgia Evans (44 caps)
22 Keira Bevan (79 caps)
23 Hannah Dallavalle (70 caps)