Joyce-Butchers to win 50th cap as Wales eye double

Summer women’s television series starring Australia and Wales

Date: Friday, August 1 Kick-off: 10:00 BST

As Wales prepare to face Australia in Sydney on Friday, Jasmine Joyce-Butchers will win her 50th cap.

In order to give players game time in Wales’ final game before the Rugby World Cup in August, head coach Sean Lynn has made seven changes to the side that won the first Test 21-12 in Brisbane.

There is a brand-new front row featuring Gwenllian Pyrs, Carys Phillips, and a fit Sisilia Tuipulotu, who has made her first start since September, while Kate Williams and co-captain Alex Callender are all in the back row.

Georgia Evans is supplanted by Abbie Fleming, Bethan Lewis, and Gwen Crabb, in the pack.

With Joyce-Butchers, Lisa Neumann, and full-back Nel Metcalfe, who combined for the back three with a two-try player of the match performance last weekend, continuing to form the back three.

Before we left, the squad was informed that every player would have their opportunity to play here in Australia, so we made seven changes to the starting lineup, Lynn said.

“The seven players chosen were instructed to be brave, build on what we accomplished in Brisbane, and secure places in the World Cup,” the statement read.

We are aware that the Wallaroos side will face a wounded side in Sydney, ready to make a statement.

When their Pool B tournament opener against Scottish rivals Scotland on August 23rd, in Manchester, Lynn will name his World Cup squad.

Eight years after making her union debut against Scotland in the 2017 Six Nations, Joyce-Butchers, a three-time Olympian for the GB Sevens, makes her 50th appearance.

The 29-year-old described Wales’ debut victory under Lynn as “one of the best feelings she has had in a Welsh shirt for a long time.”

She said, “It’s fantastic for us to defeat a team that is sixth in the world.”

No matter how well we win or lose, nothing changes because of Lynny’s efforts, which he does a lot for. We still go through the same processes regardless of whether we win or lose.

“He really instills the spirit and enthusiasm in the squad.” We’re all at ease, enjoying each other’s company, and enjoying the sun; it’s just fun to be here and to play.

After what occurred last year, Joyce-Butchers claims the squad is aware of the importance of sustaining their victory over the Wallaroos.

We remember the victory over Australia at Rodney Parade [last September] as a reminder. Unfortunately, we were unable to repeat that at WXV2 in South Africa a week later.

As well as announcing a new starting half-back pairing of Samantha Wood and Faitala Moleka, Australia has made six changes to its starting lineup, including star wing Maya Stewart, who has recovered from a knee injury.

Waiaria Ellis, Tania Naden, Lydia Kavoa, Alapeta Ngauamo, Ashley Fernandez, Ashley Marsters, Layne Morgan, Tia Hinds, and Alapeta Ellis are the replacements.

Wales: Nel Metcalfe, Jasmine Joyce-Butchers, Carys Cox, Courtney Keight, Lisa Neumann, Kayleigh Powell, Keira Bevan, Gwenllian Pyrs, Carys Phillips, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Gwen Crabb, Abbie Fleming, Kate Williams (co-capt), Bethan Lewis, Alex Callender (co-capt).