Davies named on bench for Wales

By Harry Scott-Munro
1/4/21

Exeter Chiefs Women's scrum-half Meg Davies is in line for her international debut, having been named on the bench for Wales’ opening Six Nations match against France on Saturday (8pm.)

Having been called into the squad on Wednesday to replace Bristol Bears Keira Bevan, who suffered an unfortunate leg injury that has ruled her out of the tournament, Davies will be looking to show what she can do if given an opportunity against the French.

Head Coach Warren Abrahams has been able to pick from a squad of players who are all playing in the Allianz Premier 15s and has named two uncapped players in his starting XV in the form of Saracens prop Donna Rose and Sale Sharks scrum-half Jess Roberts with Siwan Lillicrap continuing to captain her country.

There are also several positional changes for the Welsh, with Robyn Wilkins making her first start for her country and fullback and Gloucester-Hartpury’s Robyn Lock named as the replacement hooker for her side, having converted from the back-row this season.

Head Coach Abrahams was in a positive mood, before his side’s campaign gets underway and is excited to see what his side can do throughout the tournament.

““We’re excited to get on the pitch and show what we can do. The team is selected on form following some impressive performances in the Allianz Premier 15s. Jess gives us a great platform to execute our game-plan at scrum-half.”

The Welsh coach alsi commented on Davies’ selection, alongside Wilkins playing out of position at full-back.

“Meg Davies has impressed with Exeter and is ready to take her opportunity," he said. "I’m sure full-back isn’t Robyn’s preferred position, but it’s something she’s prepared to do for the team.”

Despite a new-look to his Welsh side, Abrahams is still able to draw on the vast experience of winger Jasmine Joyce and outside-centre and vice-captain Hannah Jones, who have both been involved in the GB Sevens set-up ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.

““It’s been great having those two back in the squad after the GB camps. You can see the other players are raising their game as a result of being around them and by nature, they are demanding high standards of themselves and the environment.”

The match will be livestreamed on BBC iPlayer on Saturday evening, with kick-off at 8pm.

WALES WOMEN TO FACE FRANCE WOMEN

15 Robyn Wilkins (Worcester Warriors)
14 Lisa Neumann (Sale Sharks)
13 Hannah Jones (Gloucester-Hartpury)
12 Kerin Lake (Gloucester-Hartpury)
11 Jasmine Joyce (Bristol Bears)
10 Elinor Snowsill (Bristol Bears)
9 Jess Roberts (Sale Sharks)
1Caryl Thomas (Worcester Warriors)
2 Kelsey Jones (Gloucester-Hartpury
3 Donna Rose (Saracens)
4 Gwen Crabb (Gloucester-Hartpury)
5 Teleri Wyn Davies (Sale Sharks)
6 Georgia Evans (Saracens)
7 Manon Johnes (Bristol Bears)
8 Siwan Lillicrap (capt, Bristol Bears)

16 Robyn Lock (Gloucester-Hartpury)
17 Cara Hope (Gloucester-Hartpury)
18 Cerys Hale (Gloucester-Hartpury)
19 Bethan Dainton (Harlequins)
20 Natalia John (Bristol Bears)
21 Megan Davies (Exeter Chiefs)
22 Gemma Rowland (Bristol Bears)
23 Courtney Keight (Bristol Bears)