Following six rounds of Super League fixtures pre Christmas, and two National Squad training sessions post Christmas, Wales have announced their XV to play Scotland in their opening Six Nations fixture of 2004.
Two new caps are awarded to Caernarfon winger and ex Welsh football international Manon Williams and Llandaff North No 8 Emma Phillips.
Full back Non Evans returns from her exploits in New Zealand with the World XV to win her 50th cap at full back as Wales look to gain revenge for a 9-8 defeat at Meadowbank last season with what would be only their second every victory against Scotland.
Lock Becky Dando and Hooker Dominique Atwood, as well as ex-Under 19s Amy Day and Stacey Saunders will be looking to join Manon and Emma in winning their first caps should they step up from the replacements bench as coaches Phil John and Alun Harries look to get the tournament off on a winning note.
Phil John said “We selected 34 to train at the outset and to cut 12 wasn’t easy. With the Six Nations, the Europeans in Toulouse and the tour of South Africa, it is an exciting time for all involved and the strength in depth we now have will serve us in good stead as we progress. However, the focus is now solely on Scotland and getting that vital first victory.”
WALES V SCOTLAND:
- Catrin Edwards (Cardiff Quins)
- Nicola John (Cardiff Quins)
- Kath Lenaghan (Cardiff Quins)
- Kath Foale (Saracens)
- Ayla Rose (Llandaff North)
- Mel Berry CAPTAIN (Worcester)
- Kylie Wilson (Caernarfon)
- Emma Phillips (Llandaff North)
- Cath Walkley (Aberystwyth)
- Awen Thomas (Cardiff Quins)
- Manon Williams (Caernarfon)
- Rhian Williams (Wasps)
- Louise Rickard (Saracens)
- Hayley Baxter (Cardiff Quins)
- Non Evans (Clifton)
- Dom Atwood (Thirsk)
- Claire Horgan (Saracens)
- Amy Broadstock (Llandaff North)
- Becky Dando (UWIC)
- Amy Day (Llandaff North)
- Lowri Jones (Bala)
- Stacey Saunders (Tylorstown)
