Davies to start WXV test against South Africa

Exeter Chiefs Women’s newest prop Maisie Davies has been selected to start in Wales’s WXV Global Series opener against South Africa on Friday (KO 19:15).

Flankers Alex Callender and Kate Williams will co-captain the side at Cardiff Arms Park in the first of four test matches that will be broadcast live on BBC One Wales.

Davies will start at loosehead in a front row that will come up against the physical presence of the South African women.

Exeter Chiefs Women’s assistant coach Ross Bundy said: “I’m really pleased for Maisie to get the opportunity to start for Wales in their first WXV game against South Africa. It’s a significant challenge, particularly for a front-row player, given the strength of the South African set piece. For Maisie, it’s a great opportunity to test herself against a very strong opposition.”

Meanwhile, Sean Lynn, Wales’s head coach, said: “The 23 players selected for our opening WXV clash against South Africa have been selected on how they performed during a tough pre-season. The whole squad really pushed each other, and we have moved the dial in terms of our physical and rugby preparation.

“This was a tough selection process and the competition in the squad across pre-season really drove this squad selection.

“All the players selected know it is a privilege to wear the red jersey and a chance to make themselves, their families and the nation proud.

“We know this will be a real test of where we are and all 23 players know the responsibility they carry when they represent Wales. We have selected a strong and experienced bench, knowing every player has a role to play under the Friday night lights in Cardiff.

“South Africa pride themselves on their physicality and we know we have to match them in that area, and we know what to expect.”

WALES
15 Lisa Neumann (Leicester Tigers) 52 caps
14 Seren Singleton (Brython Thunder) 4 caps
13 Courtney Keight (Sale Sharks) 33 caps
12 Freya Bell (Gwalia Lightning) 2 caps
11 Amy Williams (Brython Thunder) uncapped
10 Keira Bevan (Bristol Bears) 83 caps
9 Seren Lockwood (Brython Thunder) 9 caps

1 Maisie Davies (Exeter Chiefs) 17 caps
2 Kelsey Jones (Sale Sharks) 57 caps
3 Sisilia Tuipulotu (Harlequins) 34 caps
4 Branwen Metcalfe (Brython Thunder) six caps
5 Georgia Evans (Saracens) 48 caps
6 Kate Williams (Gloucester-Hartpury, co-captain) 26 caps
7 Alex Callender (Harlequins, co-captain) 47 caps
8 Bryonie King (Gwalia Lightning) 17 caps

Replacements:
16 Shanelle Williams (Brython Thunder) uncapped
17 Gwenllian Pyrs (Sale Sharks) 56 caps
18 Elan Jones (Brython Thunder) uncapped
19 Gwen Crabb (Brython Thunder) 42 caps
20 Jorja Aiono (Gloucester Hartpury) 5caps
21 Alisha Joyce (Brython Thunder) 57 caps
22 Lleucu George (Gloucester Hartpury) 40 caps
23 Jenna De Vera (Brython Thunder) 2 caps