In a match that will see the first involvement of former Wales international Gareth Wyatt as attack coach, eight of the 10 uncapped players this week named in the Women’s Six Nations squad will be involved. Five of those are in the starting side: fullback Lisa Neumann, wing Hannah Bluck, scrum-half Jade Knight, lock Natalia John and openside Bethan Lewis.
“This fixture with Ireland has been invaluable in the last few years, whether it be home or away,” said Phillips. “Like Ireland, we’ve got several new faces in our group, so we’re very much using this match with a view to the Women’s Six Nations.
“Ireland are going through a rebuilding stage, not unlike us, but we know they’re a quality rugby team. They really bring a passion to the game, and we have to be prepared for that.”Â
The addition of Pontypridd coach Wyatt is a “big coup”, according to Phillips, with assistant coach Nick Wakley concentrating on the sevens preparations for the Commonwealth Games in April. “Gareth’s experience, not only as player but as a coach at the top end of the game with Pontypridd, will help push us forward. It’s his first involvement with us, and having a top-level coach like him with us reinforces the development of women’s rugby and the great opportunities available to experienced coaches in the game.”
Phillips expects to see a good crowd in Ystrad Mynach tomorrow, adding: “From our perspective, it’ll be good for people to come down to see how we want to play the game and to support the national team. The girls work so hard and make a lot of sacrifices to wear the jersey, so we’d love to see people getting behind them.”
Tickets for tomorrow’s match are available on the gate (£5 adults/U16s free) at the CCB Centre for Sporting Excellence.
Wales Women team to face Ireland:
15 Lisa Neumann
14 Hannah Bluck
13 Kerin Lake
12 Rebecca De Filippo
11 Jess Kavanagh-Williams
10 Robyn Wilkins
9 Jade Knight
1 Caryl Thomas
2 Carys Phillips (c)
3 Amy Evans
4 Natalia John
5 Mel Clay
6 Alisha Butchers
7 Bethan Lewis
8 Siwan Lillicrap
Replacements
16 Kelsey Jones
17 Gwenllian Pyrs
18 Cerys Hale
19 Awen Prysor
20 Amy Thomas
21 Nia Elen Davies
22 Ffion Lewis
23 Lleucu George
24 Jodie Evans
25 India BerbillionÂ
26 Angharad De Smet
