Johnes’ delight at making first start

YOUNG flanker Manon Johnes is looking forward to making her first Wales Women’s start tonight alongside one of her role models, Sioned Harries.

Johnes is one of eight changes to the starting line-up made by coach Rowland Phillips for the clash with Hong Kong at Cardiff Arms Park (7pm).

Last week’s debutantes Alicia McComish and Manon Johnes replace the injured Kerin Lake and Alisha Butchers, while Lisa Neumann starts on the wing in place of RGC team mate Jess Kavanagh.

Ffion Lewis comes in at scrumhalf, while Cara Hope, Kelsey Jones and Cerys Hale make up an all new front row.

Gwen Crabb will win her first cap in the second row.

Harries will lead the team from number eight, with usual captain and hooker Carys Phillips starting on the bench alongside experienced props Caryl Thomas and Amy Evans.

“I’m delighted, but I wasn’t expecting it,” said Ysgol Glantaf sixth-form student Johnes, who plays for Cardiff Blues and Cardiff Harlequins.

“I’ve been playing since I was seven, I still play under-18s, and I’ve been playing senior regional rugby this year which allowed me to step up to national (level) this year. My inspirations are Sam Warburton, when I was growing up Rachel Taylor, and Sioned Harries.

“I used to watch them on TV and go to the Six Nations so it’s quite weird being in the same environment now, but it only inspires me to keep working harder.”

Olympian Jaz Joyce keeps her place on the wing opposite her fellow St Davids native Neumann, while Lauren Smyth starts again at full-back after impressing on her debut last week.

Coach Phillips said there is “no chance” of them underestimating Hong Kong, but the squad selection is an opportunity to “build strength in depth” for the 2019 Six Nations.

“We’re pleased with last weekend’s performance, especially with how the girls fronted up physically and defensively and there is plenty to build on,” he said.

Wales Women: L Smyth (Ospreys); J Joyce (Scarlets), A Donovan (Ospreys), A McComish (Dragons), L Neumann (RGC); R Wilkins (Blues), F Lewis (Scarlets); C Hope (Ospreys), K Jones (Ospreys), C Hale (Dragons), G Crabb (Ospreys), M Clay (Ospreys), M Johnes (Blues), B Lewis (Dragons), S Harries (capt, Scarlets). Reps: C Phillips (Ospreys), C Thomas (Dragons), A Evans (Ospreys), N John (Ospreys), S Lillicrap (Ospreys), K Bevan (Ospreys), H Jones (Scarlets), J Kavanagh (RGC).