Megan Webb and Caitlin Lewis will make their first Women’s Six Nations appearances, starting in the centre and wing respectively, while Kayleigh Powell returns to the starting line-up at full-back after having to withdraw from the Ireland fixture due to injury.
In the forwards, there’s a first Six Nations start for lock Georgia Evans, and Bethan Lewis returns to the backrow alongside Alisha Butchers and captain Siwan Lillicrap.
Coach Geraint Lewis said, “As we stated during the autumn internationals, our aims are to build depth in our squad 18 months out from the next Rugby World Cup.
“Sunday’s game is a fantastic opportunity to play against quality opposition at our home.
“A number of our players are in the infancy of their international careers and opportunities like this are invaluable ahead of the RWC. It’s a big challenge but one we feel they are capable of and deserve. I’m sure they’ll relish the occasion.
“Some girls who’ve been playing well have missed out on this occasion, but it gives other players the chance to step up to the plate.
“France are a truly world class outfit. As with the rest of French rugby, they are well-resourced and are a big and talented team. They’ve lost to England three times recently but by very narrow margins.
“The match will be an excellent gauge for us. We are realistic about where we are in our development as a team and Sunday will be a big occasion to test ourselves against a team in the top four in the world.
“It will be good to play with the crowd behind us at the Arms Park again. It’s always nice to play at home and be part of the Six Nations weekend in Cardiff.
“Our first home game against Italy was good in parts and the support was excellent so hopefully we can build on both elements.
“The Ireland game highlighted some areas to improve and while I don’t think the score was a fair reflection of the game, we will continue to work hard on putting things right as we prepare for France.”
Wales team v France (Sunday 23 Feb, 12noon, tickets available from wru.wales/waleswomen):
Kayleigh Powell; Caitlin Lewis, Megan Webb, Kerin Lake, Lisa Neumann; Robyn Wilkins, Keira Bevan; Gwenllian Pyrs, Kelsey Jones, Cerys Hale, Georgia Evans, Gwen Crabb, Alisha Butchers, Bethan Lewis, Siwan Lillicrap (capt)
Replacements: Molly Kelly, Cara Hope, Ruth Lewis, Robyn Lock, Manon Johnes, Ffion Lewis, Courtney Keight, Lauren Smyth
