All change as Phillips gives youth opportunity

WALES Women head coach Rowland Phillips has given youth a chance in the autumn Test against Hong Kong on Friday at Cardiff Arms Park (7pm).

There are eight changes in the starting line-up from the team that beat South Africa 19-5 last Saturday.

Full-back Lauren Smyth, who made her Wales debut aged 17 last weekend, keeps her place along with fellow backs Jasmine Joyce, Alecs Donovan and outside half Robyn Wilkins, while Alicia McComish makes her first start at inside centre and Lisa Neumann starts on the left wing.

In the forwards, another 17 year old, Glantaf pupil Manon Johnes, who came on early off the bench last Saturday to win her first senior cap, will make her first start on the blindside flank.

She will join the backrow pair of Beth Lewis who retains her place on the openside, and No.8 Sioned Harries who will captain the side.

In the front five, only second row Mel Clay remains from last weekend’s win with her second row partner Gwen Crabb winning her first cap for Wales.

There is a new front row with Cara Hope, Kelsey Jones and Cerys Hale, while Hannah Jones joins an experienced bench.

Phillips said: “There is no chance of us underestimating Hong Kong, However, we are maximising the opportunity of an intense international period to build strength in depth as we build towards the 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.

“We had four first caps against South Africa and they all get a chance to build on that experience on Friday. It was pleasing to see Lauren adapt her skillset to international rugby and Manon, who came on earlier than expected, showed what she is capable of.

“Sioned is an experienced player and captained the Scarlets in the recent regional programme so while it’s a young squad, there is a spine of experience too.

“We were buoyed by a great crowd last Saturday, it would be good to have the same vocal support again on Friday night to kick off the international weekend.”

Wales Women (v Hong Kong):

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).