Wales head coach Sean Lynn has called on his players to embrace the challenge of facing the world’s top-ranked team on Saturday.
Wales host England and are preparing for a record-breaking clash at the Principality Stadium in the second round of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations.
More than 18,000 fans are set to attend Saturday’s game, surpassing previous records for a stand-alone women’s sporting event in Wales.
Lynn believes this milestone reflects the rapid growth of the women’s game and serves as motivation for his squad.
“To have so many of the Welsh rugby family recognise these players as representing them and turning out to support is an exciting and humbling moment for all the players, coaches and staff,” he said.
Wales, who suffered a narrow 24-21 defeat to Scotland in their opening fixture, will need to be at their best against a Red Roses side confident enough to make 13 changes from their 38-5 victory over Italy last weekend.
World player of the year Ellie Kildunne returns at full-back for her 50th cap, while only captain Zoe Aldcroft and No. 8 Maddie Feaunati retain their places from England’s previous starting line-up.
Despite the scale of the challenge, Lynn has urged his players to believe in themselves and focus on their own performance rather than being overawed by England’s pedigree.
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“We took the first step of this team’s new journey against Scotland, and the prospect of playing in front of a record rugby crowd at the home of Welsh rugby – the Principality Stadium – is recognition of the growth in the women’s game.
“The players have been told to be brave and to believe in their ability to compete at the highest level. Most of this squad play in England and train alongside the Red Roses.
“We have coached and played against them, and we know what they will bring, but this is about us and how we want to perform in the capital city.”
England enter the match as overwhelming favourites, having lost just once in their last 52 fixtures.
Head coach John Mitchell has made sweeping changes to his line-up as part of a strategy to develop squad depth ahead of next year’s World Cup on home soil.
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Lynn, however, remains steadfast in his belief that Wales should relish the opportunity to test themselves against the world’s best.
“England are the best team in the world and are many people’s favourites for another Grand Slam and for the 2025 World Cup,” he said.
“We shouldn’t shy away from the challenge ahead of us but relish the opportunity to test ourselves against them in front of a passionate Welsh crowd.”
Wales have made two changes to their starting lineup, with Gwenllian Pyrs and Gwen Crabb returning to the pack.
Captain Hannah Jones leads the side from the midfield, while triple Olympian Jasmine Joyce starts at full-back. Vice-captain Keira Bevan partners Lleucu George in the half-back roles.
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Wales:
15 Jasmine Joyce (Bristol Bears)
14 Lisa Neumann (Harlequins)
13 Hannah Jones ( Captain, Gloucester/Hartpury)
12 Kayleigh Powell (Harlequins)
11 Carys Cox (Ealing Trailfinders)
10 Lleucu George (Gloucester/Hartpury)
9 Keira Bevan (Vice-captain, Bristol Bears);
1 Gwenllian Pyrs (Sale Sharks)
2 Carys Phillips (Harlequins)
3 Jenni Scoble (Gwalia Lightning)
4 Abbie Fleming (Harlequins)
5 Gwen Crabb (Gloucester/Hartpury)
6 Kate Williams (Gloucester/Hartpury)
7 Bethan Lewis (Gloucester/Hartpury)
8 Georgia Evans (Saracens)
Replacements: 16 Kelsey Jones (Gloucester/Hartpury), 17 Maisie Davies (Gwalia Lightning), 18 Donna Rose (Saracens), 19 Alaw Pyrs (Gwalia Lightning), 20 Bryonie King (Gwalia Lightning), 21 Meg Davies (Gloucester/Hartpury), 22 Courtney Keight (Bristol Bears), 23 Nel Metcalfe (Gloucester/Hartpury).
England:
Ellie Kildunne; Abby Dow, Megan Jones, Tatyana Heard, Jess Breach; Zoe Harrison, Natasha Hunt; Maddie Feaunati, Sadiya Kabeya, Zoe Aldcroft (capt); Abbie Ward, Morwenna Talling; Sarah Bern, Lark Atkin-Davies, Mackenzie Carson
Replacements: Amy Cokayne, Hannah Botterman, Maud Muir, Rosie Galligan, Abi Burton, Lucy Packer, Holly Aitchison, Helena Rowland
