The only change to the starting line-up sees Scarlets flanker Alisha Butchers come in on the blindside for the injured Shona Powell-Hughes, with Sioned Harries moving across to No.8. Nia Elen Davies takes Butchers’ place on the bench.
After a confident start to the tournament – Wales beat the Azzurre 20-8 in the Ancona province of Central Italy – head coach Rowland Phillips says he saw little need to make any changes to his matchday squad. “I was delighted with the way the players were able to carry out our game plan under intense pressure from Italy,” says the former Wales international.
“They need to take that confidence and momentum into this Saturday’s game in Cardiff, because England on their day will be an altogether different proposition.”
It will only be Wales Women’s third fixture at the BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park since the venue was announced as their official home back in the autumn – and their first competitive match – and their coach says the Welsh support could make all the difference on the day.
“We witnessed how great the crowd can be here a few months ago, so I’m in no doubt they’ll be out in force come Saturday morning,” believes Phillips, whose team are on a five-match winning streak.
“Women’s rugby is going from strength to strength in this country. That’s reflected in the growing fan base. As a national side we’re still improving, but playing the world champions in the capital city this weekend will be another great step in our development.”
Wales Women team to face England
15 Dyddgu Hywel (Scarlets)
14 Elen Evans (Scarlets)
13 Kerin Lake (Ospreys)
12 Robyn Wilkins (Ospreys)
11 Adi Taviner (Ospreys
10 Elinor Snowsill (Newport Gwent Dragons)
9 Keira Bevan (Ospreys)
1 Caryl Thomas (Scarlets)
2 Carys Phillips (c) (Ospreys)
3 Amy Evans (Ospreys)
4 Rebecca Rowe (Newport Gwent Dragons)
5 Mel Clay (Ospreys)
6 Alisha Butchers (Scarlets)
7 Rachel Taylor (Scarlets)
8 Sioned Harries (Scarlets)
Replacements
16 Lowri Harries (Scarlets)
17 Cerys Hale (Newport Gwent Dragons)
18 Gwenllian Pyrs (Scarlets)
19 Siwan Lillicrap (Ospreys)
20 Nia Elen Davies (Blues)
21 Sian Moore (Newport Gwent Dragons)
22 Gemma Rowland (Newport Gwent Dragons)
23 Jessica Kavanagh-Williams (Scarlets)
