Ospreys duo Robyn Lock and Niamh Terry, plus Cardiff Blues wing Rebekah O’Loughlin, have been handed their first starts for Wales against Scotland on Sunday’s women’s international.
The Test at Scotstoun – which is live on S4C from 3.00pm – will see Lock and Terry build on 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 reries to develop strength in depth.
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 when they are 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.
“As always, international rugby is about small margins, and it would be good to come out on the right side again. We want to build on the skill elements that were very encouraging against Ireland.
“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 on the back of the excellent work the front five has been doing.”
Siwan Lillicrap retains the captaincy.
Wales: Lauren Smyth (Ospreys); Rebekah O’Loughlin (Cardiff Blues), Megan Webb (Cardiff Blues), Kerin Lake (Ospreys), Lisa Neumann (RGC); Elinor Snowsill (Ospreys), Niamh Terry (Ospreys); Gwenllian Pyrs (RGC), Kelsey Jones (Ospreys), Cerys Hale (Cardiff Blues), Natalia John (Ospreys), Gwen Crabb (Ospreys), Robyn Lock (Ospreys), Bethan Lewis (Scarlets), Siwan Lillicrap (capt, Ospreys)
Replacements: Molly Kelly (RGC), Gwenllian Jenkins (Scarlets), Sarah Lawrence (Scarlets), Abbie Fleming (Cardiff Blues), Alex Callender (Scarlets), Ffion Lewis (Scarlets), Kayleigh Powell (Ospreys), Paige Randall (Cardiff Blues).
Wales Women fixtures November 2019:
Spain 29 – 5 Wales Women
Estadio Nacional Computense, Madrid, Sunday 3 November
Ireland 13 – 15 Wales Women
The Bowl, UCD, Dublin, Sunday 10 November
Scotland v Wales Women
Glasgow, Sunday 17 November 3pm (BBC Alba and S4C)
Crawshay’s v Wales Women
Eugene Cross Park, Ebbw Vale Saturday 23 November 2.30pm
Wales Women v Barbarians
Saturday 30 November, Principality Stadium 11.45am (S4C)
For Wales v Barbarians tickets, go to www.wru.wales/tickets
