The versatile Wales back five star was forced to miss the Six Nations after breaking her arm in a game at Bristol. At the time it appeared her season would be over, but her dogged determined and diligent re-hab work has got her back in shape to help the league winners tackle Exeter Chiefs in the play-off final.
She is joined on the bench by two other Welsh forwards in hooker Kat Evans and prop Donna Rose. Kat Evans was a winner in the first final with Saracens, while Rose and Georgia Evans featured in the final defeat to Harlequins last season.
All three a very much in contention for the Welsh squad for the World Cup in New Zealand in October and Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham will be delighted to see that Georgia Evans is back in action after 13 weeks on the sidelines.
How to watch the Premier 15s final
Date: Friday 3 June
Kick-off: 3pm
Venue: Sixways Stadium, Worcester
TV: BT Sport 1, coverage begins at 2.30pm
Online: Watch it live on the BBC Sport website or premier15s.com
Live stream: BBC iPlayer or the BT Sport app
In only their second season, Exeter Chiefs have made massive strides and will go into the game full of confidence as they seek to add the top title to the Allianz Cup they secured a few weeks ago. They also beat Saracens 54-12 in their most recent contest.
“Everyone’s obviously aware of what’s at stake, but it’s a case of how we manage the key moments, where you’re under the pump, how you win that momentum back, then seize the momentum and make the most of it when things aren’t going your way,” said Saracens head coach Alex Austerberry.
“Those are things that you don’t suddenly just start talking about when it’s knock-out rugby. They’re obviously central to knock-out rugby, but they’re also central to every other game.
“So, we just keep on building, layering it up, and the experience that the group has changed the way we approach games year on year. We keep evolving and keep learning.
“Ultimately, while it is a massive game and winner-takes-all, that’s not the way we’re building towards it: our process and performance will look after the result, and that’s what’s key.”
Chiefs head coach Susie Appleby has stuck to the same side that beat Bristol Bears 28-24 to reach their first play-off final. It will be a last outing for Spanish star Patricia Garcia before she hangs up her boots
“Everyone is really looking forward to the occasion. The prep has been good and we haven’t picked up any injuries which is good. We’re just looking forward to getting going,” said Appleby
“Everyone works really hard here, with that desire to learn and get better day in day out. No matter whether you’re a Patricia Garcia, a Kate Zackary or just beginning the game, everyone helps each other.”
