Both changes are in the pack with Neath Athletic prop Lowri Harries replacing Bath Ladies’ Caryl Thomas while UWIC’s Vicky Owens returns to the second row in place of Clare Flowers (Cross Keys). Both Thomas and Flowers drop down to the bench.
The only other change in the match day squad sees Cross Keys’ Charlie Murray added to the bench after clubmate Amy Day suffered an injury last week in Wales’ impressive victory over Italy at the Millennium Stadium.
Wales’s compelling win against Italy has given Rhys Edwards’s side a fighting chance of gaining their pre-RBS 6 Nations target of three victories from the campaign.
That would have been unthinkable two weeks ago after Wales suffered a record defeat in Ashbourne against a rampant Ireland. But seven days later Wales turned their fortunes around with a stunning 30-13 victory over the Italians in Cardiff.
“A win is a win as far as we are concerned, especially after the performance against Ireland. It was really important that we put in a performance against Italy and so importantly we got a win,” said Edwards.
“We went from one extreme to the other after the Ireland game but it was nice to see that when the chips were down we actually performed. We created opportunities – even in defeat against England and Ireland – but we never produced the clinical pass or decision – but against Italy that side of the game was a big focus and to see them doing it was really pleasing,” he added.
“We’ve now picked up two wins in the championship. We always said three was the target. The way we’re playing there is nor reason why we can’t go at France. Playing at Cross Keys is a little bit different than playing at the Millennium Stadium – but there is no reason why we can’t take confidence from the victory against Italy and give them a run for their money.”
His sentiments were echoed by captain, Rhian Bowden. “The win against Italy will giveus a real boost going into thegame against France.
“We needed that win against Italy but the girls know we all have to lift our performance for France as they will provide a totally different proposition. We’ll be looking to finish the campaign off with a big win.”
Wales Women v France, Pandy Park, Sunday 18 March, KO 2pm
15 Rosie Fletcher
14 Caryl James
13 Elen Evans
12 Naomi Thomas
11 Phillippa Tuttiett
10 Mared Evans
9 Laura Prosser
1 Jenny Davies
2 Rhian Bowden (Capt)
3 Lowri Harries
4 Vicky Owens
5 Shona Powell-Hughes
6 Lisa Newton
7 Sioned Harries
8 Jamie Kift
Replacements:
16 Caryl Thomas
17 Megan York
18 Clare Flowers
19 Sian Williams
20 Charlie Murray
21 Rebecca De Filippo
22 Aimee Young
