WALES WOMEN LOOK TO CONTINUE WINNING WAYS AGAINST CANADA
National Coaches Fielies Coetsee and Jason Lewis have made a number of changes to the side that defeated France in the final Six Nations fixture. In the absence of speedster Non Evans (broken leg), Rhian Williams moves out to the wing and Louise Rickard switches to centre alongside Clare Flowers. Rachel Poolman comes back into the starting line-up, to finish an outstanding first international season for the Llanelli flyer. In the pack, props Louise Horgan and Claire Horgan are replaced by Amy Broadstock and Jenny Davies, with Rhian Bowden starting at hooker.
After outstanding performances in the Wales Development squad, Vikki Gaylard and Mared Evans have stepped into the senior squad and will be eyeing the chance for their first caps from the bench.
The 2005-06 season has been Wales’ best to date. They kicked off positively with a victory over Italy, before securing wins over Scotland, Ireland, Spain and France in the Six Nations to finish in a record 2nd place.
Wales and Canada have met on five previous occasions, with Wales claiming a victory in the 1994 World Cup, Canada winning two tests in 2001 and the sides drawing at the 1991 World Cup and in one 2001 test. The current Canada squad are ranked 4th for the forthcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup and come into the fixture off the back of a 15-8 defeat at the hands of Ireland last Sunday.
Wales
15. Elen Evans; 14. Rhian Williams; 13. Louise Rickard; 12. Clare Flowers; 11. Rachel Poolman; 10. Naomi Thomas;
9. Mel Berry; 1. Amy Broadstock; 2. Rhian Bowden; 3. Jenny Davies; 4. Liza Burgess; 5. Claire Donovan; 6. Catrina Nicholas; 7. Jamie Kift; 8. Kylie Wilson
16. Louise Horgan; 17. Claire Horgan; 18. Rachel Brown; 19. Vikki Gaylard; 20. Amy Day; 21. Philippa Tuttiet; 22. Mared Evans
Wales Results 05-06 Season
Italy 11 – 14 Wales WON
England 38 – 15 Wales LOST
Wales 5 – 0 Scotland WON
Ireland 7 – 14 Wales WON
Wales 10 – 0 Spain WON
Wales 11 – 10 France WON
Past Wales v Canada Meetings
1991 World Cup Drew 9-9
1994 World Cup Won 11-5
2001 1st Test Lost 7-21
2001 2nd Test Lost 11-12
2001 3rd Test Drew 13-13
