Wales head coach Sean Lynn has challenged his side to prove their Brisbane win was no one-off, as they aim to secure a second straight Test victory against Australia at North Sydney Oval on Friday.
Fresh from a gritty 21-12 win over the Wallaroos in their opening clash last weekend, Wales are hoping to do what they haven’t achieved since 2019 – claim back-to-back away victories.
For Lynn, however, the result is only part of the picture. What matters more is the consistency and character of the performance.
“We had a great result last Saturday and the challenge to the players this week is making sure we can back up that performance. That’s what I want to see most,” said Lynn.
“We also want to give some players who didn’t play the chance to fight for their place in the World Cup squad. We got straight back into work on Monday and travelled into a very wet Sydney on Wednesday.
“We know Australia are going to come at us again, they are a proud nation just like us. We need to keep our feet on the ground, but to come out here and win two Tests would be an amazing achievement.”
Lynn has rung the changes, naming seven new starters as promised.
The match in Sydney marks Wales’ final hit-out before the Rugby World Cup in August, and the head coach is intent on ensuring every player gets a chance to show what they can bring.
“The squad were told before we came out that every player will get game time here in Australia and that is why we have made seven changes to the starting line-up,” said Lynn.
“The seven players selected have been told to be brave and to build on what we achieved in Brisbane and stake a claim for World Cup places.
“We know we will face a wounded Wallaroos side determined to make a statement in front of their home crowd in Sydney.”
READ MORE: Sean Lynn Tells Wales He’s So Proud Of First Win . . . But Demands It’s Now Backed Up
Among those changes, co-captain Kate Williams returns to the starting back row alongside fellow skipper Alex Callender and Beth Lewis.
An all-new front row sees Gwenllian Pyrs, Carys Phillips, and Sisilia Tuipulotu come in — the latter making her first start since September.
Abbie Fleming replaces Georgia Evans in the second row, with Gwen Crabb retaining her place.
In the backline, Kayleigh Powell takes over fly-half duties from Lleucu George, and Keira Bevan starts at scrum-half.
Courtney Keight and Carys Cox form a fresh centre pairing, while the back three — Jasmine Joyce-Butchers, Lisa Neumann, and full-back Nel Metcalfe — remains unchanged following an electric display in Brisbane.
“I asked the girls to become a hard team to beat and to show me the physicality we need. They did that and I’ve been so impressed with the 30 players – there has been a really big buzz in camp,” Lynn added.
“We aren’t the finished article and there is still a lot to look at. We are making small, positive steps forward.
“I brought 30 players to Australia and there are still two places to fill. Individuals are still fighting for their places.”
Friday’s game will be a particularly memorable occasion for Joyce-Butchers, who will win her 50th cap.
The 29-year-old, who made her debut in 2017 and has also represented Great Britain in sevens, called last weekend’s win one of her proudest moments in a Wales jersey.
“For us to beat a team sixth in the world is fantastic for us,” she said.
“I do thank Lynny a lot for that, the environment that he creates, whether we win or lose, nothing changes, we still go through the same processes.
“He really builds the passion and the energy in and around the squad. We're relaxed, we're enjoying each other's company, we're enjoying the sun, it's just fun to be here, fun to play.”
Joyce-Butchers admitted the team are mindful of last year’s experience, when they beat Australia in Cardiff only to fall short a week later against South Africa.
“The win against Australia at Rodney Parade [last September] is in the back of our minds.
“We won that one, unfortunately we couldn't repeat that in South Africa [at WXV2] a week later.
“I do think we are a different team now, a different animal, we've only got positive vibes and positive energy going to Sydney.”
For co-captain Kate Williams, Friday is also a chance to lead from the front after sitting out the first Test.
“We had a really good game last Saturday and what we want to get out of this next one is to be clinical and showcase our physicality once again,” said Williams.
“I’m really excited to lead the team this weekend. It was nice watching Alex leading the side last weekend and now I want to be a part of it and get another win.
“It has been really good for both of us being co-captains. We offer different, but complimentary, leadership qualities.
“I was very proud of the performance last weekend and it showed we are learning from the Six Nations. We have grown as a squad and we have changed.
“We are a bit more mature, we’re making better decisions and confidence is growing as well. There is nothing like winning to bring a team together.
“What we can be happy with is that it wasn’t a hollow win in Brisbane, it was a really hard fought victory. But we know we are only as good as our last win.
“We know the Aussies will come out fighting. They were probably a bit surprised at how we’ve changed since we last met. They now know what we can bring.
“It’s about adapting and learning from that last game and everyone who didn’t play last week is itching to go this time.”
Australia, meanwhile, have responded to their defeat by making six changes. Star winger Maya Stewart returns after knee surgery, while flanker Piper Duck, lock Michaela Leonard, and prop Faliki Pohiva also return to the pack.
Samantha Wood and Faitala Moleka form a new half-back pairing.
Australia: Caitlyn Halse; Maya Stewart, Georgina Friedrichs, Trilleen Pomare, Desiree Miller; Faitala Moleka, Samantha Wood; Faliki Pohiva, Katalina Amosa, Bridie O'Gorman, Kaitlan Leaney, Michaela Leonard, Piper Duck, Emily Chancellor (capt), Tabua Tuinakauvadra.
Replacements: Tania Naden, Lydia Kavoa, Alapeta Ngauamo, Ashley Fernandez, Ashley Marsters, Layne Morgan, Tia Hinds, Waiaria Ellis.
Wales: Nel Metcalfe; Jasmine Joyce-Butchers, Carys Cox, Courtney Keight, Lisa Neumann; Kayleigh Powell, Keira Bevan; Gwenllian Pyrs, Carys Phillips, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Gwen Crabb, Abbie Fleming, Kate Williams (co-capt), Bethan Lewis, Alex Callender (co-capt).
Replacements: Molly Reardon, Maisie Davies, Jenni Scoble, Alaw Pyrs, Georgia Evans, Meg Davies, Lleucu George, Catherine Richards.
