Wales’ preparations for the tournament, being staged in France in August, begins in earnest with a capped game against USA Women’s Eagles and Taylor is hoping her team mates can blow away a few cobwebs having not played together since the Six Nations championship concluded.
“This game is an opportunity to put a marker down with the World Cup in mind,” she said.
“The fact that it is a capped game adds a bit of spice to the game. We certainly will not be taking USA lightly as they are also preparing for the World Cup where they have been drawn against Ireland, New Zealand and Kazakhstan.
“We have obviously been training together as a squad but you can never tell where you are until you actually play. Most of our backs have been involved in playing Sevens over the past few weeks but the forwards may be a bit ring-rusty.”
Taylor expects USA to offer a stern test, pointing out they finished the last World Cup held in Guildford in seventh position, two places ahead of Wales.
“As with most American sports teams, USA’s women’s rugby team are a strong, physical and athletic side so it could be a case of brains versus brawn.
“Saying that, we will have to look at our own game and performance when we take on USA.
“There are a number of hotly contested areas within our side so players will be going for it to impress to ensure they get a starting spot for the first game of the World Cup when we take on hosts, France.
“It would be a huge boost to the team if we can beat USA as it will give the team confidence as we build towards the World Cup,” Taylor added.
Wales squad to play USA, Cross Keys RFC, Saturday 28 June, KO 1.30pm:
15 Laurie Harries (Llandaff North)
14 Adi Taviner (Neath Athletic)
13 Elen Evans (Waterloo)
12 Rebecca de Filippo (Bristol Ladies)
11 Dyddgu Hywel (Bristol Ladies)
10 Elinor Snowsill (Bristol Ladies)
9 Sian Moore (Bristol Ladies)
8 Sioned Harries (Llandaff North)
7 Nia Davies (Bristol Ladies)
6 Catrina Nicholas (Llandaff North)
5 Rachel Taylor (Capt – Bristol Ladies)
4 Jenny Hawkins (Llandaff North)
3 Catrin Edwards (Bristol Ladies)
2 Lowri Harries (Neath Athletic)
1 Caryl Thomas (Bath ladies)
Replacements:
16 Carys Phillips (Bristol Ladies)
17 Megan York (Blaenau Gwent)
18 Cerys Hale (Pontyclun)
19 Shona Powell Hughes (Neath Athletic)
20 Sian Williams (Worcester)
21 Robyn Wilkins (Llandaff North)
22 Rafiuke Taylor (Pontyclun)
23 Philippa Tuttiett (Bristol Ladies)
