Rowland Phillips’ side will take to the Cardiff Arms Park pitch looking to start their autumn campaign with a bang.
Head coach Rowland Phillips – father of skipper Carys – has named a strong side for the opening November challenge.
Uncapped Ospreys full-back Lauren Smyth is in the starting line-up with three new faces in Manon Johnes, Ffion Lewis and Alicia McComish on the bench.
“The Six Nations didn’t go the way we wanted it to go, but over the summer we revamped the regional programme,” said hooker Carys Phillips.
“I think the success we’ve had from that has really built well into this autumn campaign.
“The feeling in the camp is really good at the minute and getting these three challenging games ahead are only going to help us.
“We’re really excited for these three games to begin and hopefully we can get this campaign kicked off with a win.”
Alisha Butchers makes a welcome return to the Wales team to face South Africa after a long lay-off due to injury.
The starting line-up includes eight of the Ospreys Women squad who took home the regional championship title.
There are three more Ospreys on the bench.
After facing South Africa, Wales will then meet Hong Kong and Canada.
“Our skillset and fitness levels have improved massively and as soon as we’ve come into camp, we’ve just pushed on and progressed even further than we have before,” said Phillips of the Ospreys.
“I think that’s excellent for us and we just want to put all our hard work into these international games.
“These are the sort of games where we’ve got to show we’ve made progress and I think it’s a good chance for us to prove that good things are going to come.”
Wales Women v South Africa, Saturday 10 Nov 11.30am, Cardiff Arms Park
Lauren Smyth (Ospreys); Jasmine Joyce (Scarlets), Alecs Donovan (Ospreys), Kerin Lake (Ospreys), Jess Kavanagh (RGC); Robyn Wilkins (Blues), Keira Bevan (Ospreys) ; Caryl Thomas (Dragons), Carys Phillips (captain, Ospreys), Amy Evans (Ospreys), Siwan Lillicrap (Ospreys), Mel Clay (Ospreys), Alisha Butchers (Scarlets), Bethan Lewis (Dragons), Sioned Harries (Scarlets)
Replacements: Kelsey Jones (Ospreys), Cara Hope (Ospreys), Cerys Hale (Dragons), Natalia John (Ospreys), Manon Johnes (Blues), Ffion Lewis (Scarlets), Alicia McComish (Dragons), Lisa Neumann (RGC)
Wales Women November Test Series
Saturday 10 November Wales Women v South Africa
Fri 16 Nov Wales Women v Hong Kong 7pm
Sat 24 Nov Wales Women v Canada 11.30am
Tickets £5 adults, all concessions including students and senior tickets £1, available from Cardiff Blues ticket office and online. From Saturday, tickets will be available at the Quay St entrance (adjacent to Principality Stadium Gate 2) from 10:30. Once inside the Arms Park, it is a cash-free venue.
Note: There will be no live stream of Saturday’s match.
