Wales’s Captain on that day was Liza Burgess and now, at the age of 42, she could write her name in the history books on Saturday if she comes off the bench to gain her 86th cap for Wales, twenty years on from her debut.
WWRU Manager Jilly Holroyd commented: “Liza is a remarkable woman. It is an astounding achievement to be at the top of your sport for twenty years, especially in one as physically demanding as rugby. She has been an integral part of the development of the women’s game and is the iconic figure of Welsh Women’s rugby.”
Having finished second in the Championship last season, Wales Women will go into the clash with high hopes of matching that success and perhaps even pinching a first win over the old enemy to deny them the Grand Slam.
Following the team’s 24-0 victory against Italy, a number of changes have been made by the coaching staff. After impressing on the wing, Non Evans gets a chance to play in her preferred position at fullback with Elen Evans dropping to the bench.
Naomi Thomas and Rachel Poolman revert to their usual positions in the back line at fly half and outside centre respectively. Rhian Bowden passes a fitness test and is named on the bench as the replacement hooker.
Head Coach Fielies Coetsee commented: “We are the underdogs going into the fixture as England have dominated this year, only conceding twelve points in the whole championship so far. They will be strong in all facets of the game and we must play to the best of our ability to stand a chance.
“It is important we pressurize early on and stop them playing rugby. Our second half performance against Italy gave us some confidence and we now must step this up another level going into this game.”
Tickets for the match at Taffs Well are just £5 (Adults) and £3 (U18) and are available for purchase on the gate.
Wales Women
Non Evans (Clifton)
Rhian Williams (Wasps)
Rachel Poolman (UWIC)
Clare Flowers (Clifton)
Louise Rickard (Saracens)
Naomi Thomas (Clifton)
Mellissa Berry (Cardiff Quins, captain)
Amy Broadstock (Llandaff North)
Jennifer Davies (Waterloo)
Louise Horgan (Saracens)
Claire Donovan (Saracens)
Gemma Hallett (Pontyclun)
Catrina Nicholas (Cardiff Quins)
Jamie Kift (Clifton)
Kylie Wilson (Clifton)
Replacements
Caryl Thomas (Cardiff Quins)
Rhian Bowden (UWIC)
Liza Burgess (Clifton)
Nicola Evans (Wasps)
Amy Day (UWIC)
Elen Evans (Dolgellau)
Hannah Szigetvari (Tylorstown)
Wales Women Six Nations Fixtures
Wales v Ireland (Taffs Well) Sat 3 Feb, Won 10-5
Scotland v Wales (Dunbar) Sat 10 Feb, Won 0-10
France v Wales (Stade Guy Moquet à Drancy) Sat 24 Feb, Lost 0-15
Italy v Wales (Rugby Roma) Sun 11 Mar, Won 0-24
Wales v England (Taffs Well) Sat 17 Mar, 2:30pm
