Opportunity knocks for new Wales trio

OSPREYS duo Robyn Lock and Niamh Terry and Cardiff Blues wing Rebekah O’Loughlin have been handed their first starts against Scotland tomorrow at Scotstoun (3pm).

Lock and Terry made their Wales debuts against Spain earlier this month while former tennis international O’Loughlin got her first cap in the last-minute win over Ireland last Sunday.

Uncapped front row forwards Molly Kelly and Sarah Lawrence are named on the bench as the coaching team continues to use the Autumn Series to develop strength in depth in many areas.

Coach Geraint Lewis said: “We’ve stuck with the theme of giving girls opportunities throughout this autumn, the three girls making their first start will be looking forward to that and we’ve also rewarded others for good performances against Ireland last week.

“We’re looking to build on that performance, keep working hard and get better at the basics.

“It’s always tough against Scotland especially at home.

“They will be passionate and hard-working but we can take confidence from last week and if we can replicate our effort and commitment, we will give ourselves a good chance to be in the game.

“From a forwards point of view, Robyn (Lock) has made an impact off the bench in the last two games.

“She’s got an opportunity now to show us what she’s about from the start this time.

“We are blessed with competition in the back row and hopefully this trio can impose their game.”

Siwan Lillicrap retains the captaincy for this match.

Wales team v Scotland (Sunday 17 November 3pm, Scotstoun, Watch live on S4C): L Smyth (Ospreys); R O’Loughlin (Cardiff Blues), M Webb (Cardiff Blues), K Lake (Ospreys), L Neumann (RGC); E Snowsill (Ospreys), N Terry (Ospreys); G Pyrs (RGC), K Jones (Ospreys), C Hale (Cardiff Blues), N John (Ospreys), G Crabb (Ospreys), R Lock (Ospreys), B Lewis (Scarlets), S Lillicrap (capt, Ospreys). Reps: M Kelly* (RGC), G Jenkins (Scarlets), S Lawrence* (Scarlets), A Fleming (Cardiff Blues), A Callender (Scarlets), F Lewis (Scarlets), K Powell (Ospreys), P Randall (Cardiff Blues).