After competing at the previous leg in Brive a fortnight ago, Wales head coach Rhys Edwards makes a couple of changes to his squad for the trip to southern Spain.
Caryl James returns from injury to feature this weekend with Delyth Davies coming in for Charlie Murray and Laurie Harries providing Edwards with another selection option.
For this weekend’s competition, Wales have been drawn in Pool B alongside Russia, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy and Ukraine.
“Brive was a good lesson for the squad in how important consistency and possession are in sevens,” said Edwards.
“We finished 10th in France after being seeded 12th which was a good result for us as we need to finish in the top 10 after both tournaments to qualify for next season’s competition.
“But realistically, if we had beaten Germany we would’ve been in the top eight. That’s what our main target is.”
Experienced campaigners Philippa Tuttiett and Sioned Harries both feature for Wales in Marbella and will be key to their hopes of a successful tournament.
Russia, who are currently preparing for their World Cup campaign, will provide Wales with tough group stage opposition but Edwards’ team will be targeting a finish above both Scotland and Ukraine with a victory over Italy also a more than realistic possibility.
“Marbella is an opportunity to correct some crucial aspects we struggled with in Brive,” added Edwards.
“Even though it’s going to be tough with the hot temperatures and later kick offs, Italy and Ukraine will be the games that we can aim to win – that should put us into a top eight finish.
“The Netherlands and Russia will be a challenge but we have strengthened the squad and with Caryl James and Laurie Harries available, we have plenty of pace which will make us more of an attacking threat.
“The girls have learnt a lot from the first leg and are excited to show what they can do.”
Wales Squad: Caryl James, (Cardiff Quins) Rhiannon Parker, (Bristol Ladies) Elen Evans Dolgellau,
Rafiuke Taylor, (both Pontyclun) Elinor Snowsill, (Bristol Ladies) Philippa Tuttiett, Sioned Harries, Laurie Harries, (all Cardiff Quins) Nia Davies, (Cardff Met) Dyddgu Hywel, (Bristol Ladies) Delyth Davies, Carys Phillips (both Cardiff Met).
