By Paul Jones
Warren Abrahams insists he has kept faith in his squad – if not individual players – to deliver tomorrow in order for Wales Women to avoid an unwanted wooden spoon.
The head coach is still searching for his first point on the board in the truncated Six Nations after heavy defeats to France (53-0) and Ireland (45-0).
Abrahams has made nine changes for the match against the Scots at Scotstoun, but believes his team can prove they are not as poor as those two results suggest.
“I always believe in the team, and I know if they can get themselves in the best possible mindset, get on the front foot and make some bold decisions, they can show what they’re made of,” said Abrahams.
“We know we didn’t start well in our first two matches, we have to make sure we get straight out from the blocks on Saturday and build our innings from there.
“It’s a privilege to be in this position, opportunities like these don’t come around every day so we have to take responsibility now and make this one count.
Wales are without captain Siwan Lillicrap through an ankle injury with centre and Olympics hopeful Hannah Jones deputising as skipper.
Scrum-half Megan Davies will make her first start for Wales, and there is a first Six Nations start, and first at hooker, for Robyn Lock.
Olympian flyer Jasmine Joyce returns from GB Sevens duty, starting at full-back with Robyn Wilkins reverting to her preferred position at fly-half.
Caitlin Lewis comes in on the left wing and Gemma Rowland partners Jones in the centre with Kerin Lake unavailable.
With Lillicrap out, former winger Bethan Dainton comes into the back row at openside, Manon Johnes shifts to the blindside and Georgia Evans moves to number eight.
Gwenllian Jenkins, Abbie Fleming, Shona Powell-Hughes, Jade Knight and Megan Webb are all set to make their first appearances of the Six Nations if they come off the bench.
Abrahams added: “We’re excited about the opportunity to go out one more time in a Six Nations match and represent the jersey.
“We have some injuries – Siwan in particular is a big loss as captain and one of our stand-out players to date – but equally it’s a chance to give others the opportunity to put their hands up with the Rugby World Cup next year.
“It’s good to see some leaders getting additional responsibility with Hannah Jones as captain and another of our leaders Georgia stepping up as vice-captain.
“I’m excited by the backline with some of the younger players such as Meg Davies and Caitlin Lewis hungry for opportunities and Jaz has been given licence to run from full-back.”
The Scots are aiming to recover from their own defeats, but the fact they have scored a decent number of points will make them firm favourites.
They lost a 41-20 at home to Italy after being overpowered 52-10 by England in their opener.
Warming up for final @Womens6Nations weekend. See you tomorrow @Scotlandteam pic.twitter.com/Sl0uKezDvh
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏉 (@WelshRugbyUnion) April 23, 2021
The inclusion of Christine Belisle at loose-head prop is the only alteration to the starting forward pack.
In the backs, Jenny Maxwell will make her first start of the 2021 tournament at scrum-half, while Hannah Smith returns from GB Sevens camp to start at outside centre with vice-captain Lisa Thomson moving back to inside centre.
Scotland coach Bryan Easson said: “We’ve made a few personnel and positional changes that I believe will allow us to put the best team available on the pitch this weekend.
“We were disappointed in our defence against Italy last weekend but we have worked really hard during our training sessions to rectify this and we believe we have a good system in place ahead of the game.
“Hannah Smith returning is also a positive for us. She’s a real threat in attack whilst also being a really solid defensive player so I’m looking forward to seeing what she will bring to the pitch on Saturday.
“Wales will be a very physical and motivated opponent but we know what to expect and we have prepared accordingly.”
Wales Women: Jasmine Joyce; Lisa Neumann, Gemma Rowland, Hannah Jones (capt), Caitlin Lewis; Robyn Wilkins, Megan Davies; Caryl Thomas, Robyn Lock, Donna Rose, Natalia John, Teleri Wyn Davies, Manon Johnes, Bethan Dainton, Georgia Evans (vice-capt)
Replacements: Kelsey Jones, Gwenllian Jenkins, Cerys Hale, Gwen Crabb, Shona Powell-Hughes, Abbie Fleming, Jade Knight, Megan Webb.
Scotland Women: Chloe Rollie; Liz Musgrove, Hannah Smith, Lisa Thomson, Megan Gaffney; Helen Nelson, Jenny Maxwell; Christine Belisle, Lana Skeldon, Megan Kennedy, Emma Wassell, Louise McMillan, Evie Gallagher, Rachel McLachlan, Siobhan Cattigan.
Replacements: Jodie Rettie, Leah Bartlett, Lisa Cockburn, Nicola Howat, Mairi McDonald, Sarah Law, Evie Wills, Rachel Shankland.
