Bristol Ladies duo Carys Phillips and Catrin Edwards have been rewarded for their impressive displays after making an impression at hooker and prop respective when coming on as second half replacements against both France and Australia in the two previous pool defeats.
Phillips, who will be making just her second start for Wales, replaces Lowri Harries who moves to the bench while Edwards comes in for Caryl Thomas who is currently nursing a foot injury.
In the backs Sian Moore is promoted from the bench to start at scrum half with Amy Day dropping down to the bench while Dyddgu Hywel returns to the wing with Philippa Tuttiett unavailable for selection due to a family bereavement.
There are also changes on the bench with props Jenny Davies (Waterloo) and Cerys Hale (Pontyclun Falcons) joining winger Rafiuke Taylor (also Pontyclun Falcons) among the substitutes.
“Looking back on the performances and looking at the game plan and the style we want to implement against South Africa, we have freshened up the squad in a few positions and also rewarded some good performances during games,” said Wales head coach Rhys Edwards.
“Cat was unlucky to miss out on first couple of games but made an impact when coming on while Carys Phillips in particular has really made an impact in the loose and the type of game we are going to play against South Africa is really going to suit her.
“Sian Moore brings a different approach to the 9 position, this is purely a tactical switch as we want to make sure the forward pack is really working and on the front foot. Her approach will help us in that. It’s also nothing against Amy’s performance last game.
“Dyddgu comes in for Phil and her inclusion adds a different dimension to the back three which gives us different options in attack and defence,” he added.
Women’s Rugby World Cup:
Wales Women v South Africa Women, Saturday, 4pm (UK), Marcoussis
15 Laurie Harries (Llandaff North)
14 Adi Taviner (Neath Athletic)
13 Robyn Wilkins (Llandaff North)
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 Rachel Taylor (Bristol Ladies – Capt)
6 Catrina Nicholas (Llandaff North)
5 Shona Powell-Hughes (Neath Athletic)
4 Jenny Hawkins (Llandaff North)
3 Catrin Edwards (Bristol Ladies)
2 Carys Phillips (Bristol Ladies)
1 Meg York (Blaenau Gwent)
Replacements:
16 Lowri Harries (Neath Athletic)
17 Jenny Davies (Waterloo)
18 Cerys Hale (Pontyclun Falcons)
19 Sian Williams (Worcester)
20 Amy Day (Llandaff North)
21 Elli Norkett (Neath Athletic)
22 Rafiuke Taylor (Pontyclun Falcons)
