By Hannah Blackwell
Can lightning strike twice in eight days?
Having beaten Australia for the first time at Rodney Parade last weekend, Keira Bevan will lead the Welsh side into battle with the Wallaroos once again in the opening round of the WXV2 in Cape Town.
It took a last gasp try by Kate Williams to seal the 31-24 victory in Newport and she starts in the back row despite the availability of newly crowned Welsh Rugby Writer’s Association Welsh Women’s Player of the Year Alex Callender.
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Head coach Ioan Cunningham has given Callender and Hannah Jones a seat on the bench, allowing Kerin Lake and Carys Cox to continue in midfield and scrum half Keira Bevan to lead the side for a third successive game.
“It’s great to have some good competition within the squad. Alex has been training well and is ready to return off the bench, as is Hannah after recovering from her calf strain,” said Cunningham.
“Natalia John gets the No 4 shirt alongside Georgia Evans this time, with Abbie Fleming ready to come on. This is what we are working towards.
“Traditionally, games against Australia have been tight so it is great to have that level of experience to add impetus off the bench. Lat Friday night in Newport was brilliant for the team and has given us confidence and belief.
“It’s important to get off to a winning start in any tournament and every point is going to be crucial in WXV2 given the way the tournament is constructed.”
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Cunningham has been forced into one change from last weekend’s side with Sisi Tuipulotu ruled out through a mix up with her visa. She was unable to travel out to South Africa with the squad but hopes to be able to join up with her teammates ahead of the final two fixtures.
“It’s obviously not ideal, but Donna Rose comes in for her and it gives us a chance to maybe give Jennie Scobie a first cap off the bench,” added Cunningham.
The highly experienced former captain Carys Phillips returns at hooker with Mollie Reardon on the bench. The injury to Rosie Carr against the Wallaroos meant she was unable to travel and her place in the squad has been taken by her sister, Katie.
Australia are currently ranked sixth in the world, and pipped Wales in New Zealand at both the 2022 World Cup and WXV1 last year, while Wales have moved up to ninth.
Match Facts
- Since last year’s WXV1 meeting, Wales have won four out of 12 matches, while Australia have won one from seven
- Australia have won six out of seven meetings against Wales, losing for the first time last week at Rodney Parade
- The last three meetings have been decided by less than a score
- The highest winning margin was in 2002 when the Wallaroos won 30-0
- Wales have 37 professional players while Australia are part-time
