Lauren Smyth is set to make her international debut as Wales Women prepare for South Africa on Saturday in the first of their three Autumn Internationals.
The Ospreys full-back gets the nod from Rowland Phillips, who is thrilled at the extensive schedule his team have with further matches against Hong Kong and Canada to come.
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Smyth is the only uncapped player in the starting line-up, with Ffion Lewis, Manon Johnes and Alicia McComish set for their debuts off the bench in Cardiff.
“Playing three autumn Tests is a serious statement of intent with regards to the continued development of Welsh women’s rugby,” said Phillips.
“On the back of the last Women’s Rugby World Cup, we highlighted the need to play more competitive rugby and gain more profile for the women’s game and we had the full backing of the Welsh Rugby Union in putting together a full autumn campaign.
“Women’s rugby in Wales is growing, many young girls now have an ambition to play to a high standard, inspired by former and current internationals and it’s no surprise that the most successful international teams have a large playing base to support that.
“We want to help make those connections and it’s great to see girls who play in the girls’ clusters around Wales will be part of Saturday’s match as a huge guard of honour.”
Wales Women v South Africa, Saturday 10 Nov 11.30am, Cardiff Arms Park Wales: 15 Lauren Smyth (Ospreys), 14 Jasmine Joyce (Scarlets), 13 Alecs Donovan (Ospreys), 12 Kerin Lake (Ospreys), 11 Jess Kavanagh (RGC), 10 Robyn Wilkins (Blues), 9 Keira Bevan(Ospreys), 1 Caryl Thomas (Dragons), 2 Carys Phillips (Ospreys, captain), 3 Amy Evans (Ospreys), 4 Siwan Lillicrap (Ospreys), 5 Mel Clay (Ospreys), 6 Alisha Butchers (Scarlets), 7 Bethan Lewis (Dragons), 8 Sioned Harries (Scarlets) Replacements: 16 Kelsey Jones (Ospreys), 17 Cara Hope (Ospreys), 18 Cerys Hale (Dragons), 19 Natalia John (Ospreys), 20 Manon Johnes (Blues), 21 Ffion Lewis (Scarlets), 22 Alicia McComish (Dragons), 23Lisa Neumann (RGC)
