Following the retirement last season of stalwarts Liza Burgess and Kylie Wilson, the side has lost experience, but the recent ‘Tri-Cymru’ trials competition proved there is still plenty of talent available to Head Coach Fielies Coetsee.
Three teams played in a round-robin competition throughout September at Llandovery Rugby Club and the best players in Wales were whittled down to a training squad of 40.
Now the South African-born Coetsee has named his side to face the Cannucks in the opening match of the season.
Back row Mel Berry captains a team which also features 95-times capped wing Louise Rickard and boasts six potential new caps on the bench, with Vikki Gaylard the only player with previous international experience.
“This is the first international of the season and for us it’s is all about re-building a squad ready for the Six Nations,” said Coetsee, whose side faces a Canadian team which impressed everyone with a semi-final spot in last year’s Rugby World Cup.
“These are exciting times and whilst this fixture was always going to be difficult for us because of the retirement of players like Liza Burgess and Kylie Wilson, there’s a great opportunity here for some new talent to come to the fore.
“Liza, who figured in our first ever international against England 20 years ago, retired at the age of 42 (and is now attached to the senior coaching set-up)Â and Kylie has moved on to coach the U20s side and we will miss their experience.
“We also have some key players out injured in Jamie Kift, Naomi Thomas and Catrina Nicholas. But that means we have the opportunity to bring in new blood and the game will be a great chance and challenge for this new look side.
“We face one of the in form international teams in women’s rugby, especially after a great world cup and a sound 45-3 victory over Scotland last weekend.”
Wales: Non Evans; Hayley Baxter, Rachel Poolman, Clare Flowers, Louise Rickard; Awen Thomas, Amy Day; Louise Horgan, Rhian Bowden, Jenny Davies, Gemma Hallett, Claire Donovon, Jenny Doyle, Nicola Evans, Mellissa Berry (Capt)
Replacements: Ruth Evans, Natalie Bowen, Rachel Taylor, Vikki Gaylard, Laura Prosser, Michaela Reed, Bethan Walsh
