Wales kick off their 2009 championship at Meggatland on Sunday (midday kick-off) against Scotland where victory would put Lewis’s side on their way towards qualification for next year’s showpiece event.
France and England have already qualified for the tournament which means Wales face a daunting challenge if they are to guarantee an early qualification spot.
Lewis explains: “We will need to do something we have never done before and that is to go to France and beat them on their own soil.
“I believe we’ve got a realistic chance of achieving that. With England and France having already gained automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup, we have to ensure we finish the Six Nations campaign ahead of Scotland, Italy and Ireland.
“As far as I’m concerned we’ve assembled a very strong squad for the game against Scotland. We are very mindful that Scotland – who are at home – will be just like the men. They will provide a real test up front so it’s important we meet that physicality up front in order we get a good platform to play the sort of game we want to play.
“Scotland know we play a game with a bit more width and we’ll be trying to establish that regardless of the weather.”
Lewis has named an experienced squad for the clash against Scotland with just one new cap, wing Ali Wright while inspirational captain Mellissa Berry will lead out the side for a 50th time in her 70th international.
“Mel is probably playing some of the best rugby of her career,” said Lewis. “She is really on fire at the moment. She is a tremendous player and a tremendous captain in all senses. She ticks most of the boxes in the traits you look for in a captain.”
Wales Women (v Scotland) – Sunday 8th February 2009 – Meggatland, Edinburgh (KO midday)
15 Non Evans (Cardiff Quins)
14 Louise Rickard (Woodbridge Amazones)
13 Rachel Poolman (UWIC)
12 Clare Flowers (Bristol Ladies)
11 Ali Wright (Lichfield)
10 Naomi Thomas (Bristol ladies)
9 Amy Day (UWIC)
1 Hannah Roberts (UWIC)
2 Rhian Bowden (UWIC)
3 Jenny Davies (Waterloo)
4 Gemma Hallett (Pontyclun)
5 Louise Horgan (Saracens)
6 Catrina Nicholas (Cardiff Quins)
7 Jamie Kift (Bristol Ladies)
8 Mellissa Berry (Bristol Ladies – capt)
Replacements:
16 Claire Horgan (Saracens)
17 Rachel Taylor (Cardiff Quins)
18 Claire Donovan (Saracens)
19 Carys John (UWIC)
20 Laura Prosser (Pontyclun)
21 Awen Thomas (Cardiff Quins)
22 Aimee Young (UWIC)
