Coach Jason Lewis has named a Welsh side containing four new caps, hooker Becky Newton, fly half Elinor Snowsill and winger Caryl James are all making their bow while back rower Lisa Newton starts from the bench.
Former Wales U20 skipper Snowsill is counting down the hours with eager anticipation for tomorrow’s clash.
“I’m really excited, I can’t wait to play my first match with the girls and see what senior rugby is all about,” she said.
“It’s a huge step up from U20s and I can see that from training, the intensity is much harder than with the U20s but I’ve really enjoyed it. Everyone is in the same mindset, so it’s a lot easier to play rugby when your team mates know exactly where you want to pass the ball.”
Snowsill has made rapid strides since taking up rugby two and a half years ago. Spotted playing touch rugby as a 17-year-old, the Loughborough University student will be playing alongside her former PE Teacher, loosehead prop Catrin Edwards.
“Catrin taught me since I was about 14 and I always looked up to her because she played for Wales. I always wanted to do that but with football. I didn’t even think of the rugby option at the time. She set up a touch rugby team and everything went from there, really.”
Snowsill admits she has to pinch herself when it comes to playing for Wales at such a young age.
“It’s a case of being very much ahead of schedule,” said the 21-year-old. “I never dreamed I’d be in the senior squad. This time last year I was in the Under 20s. Then I was hoping to spend a few years perfecting my game, hoping to reach my potential and reach the senior squad.
“So to be in here now is awesome and I just feel I’ve got a lot of catching up to do. I feel like I want to raise my game really fast.”
Snowsill admits to knowing little about Sweden but is thankful vastly experienced full back Non Evans will be nursing her through her baptism of fire.
“It will be interesting to see where other teams are in comparison to us. Non’s knowledge of the game is amazing. She gives me feedback on my performance, telling me what I need to improve on. If I’ve got any problems she’ll respond to emails offering advice. I feel my game has improved a lot just with her input.”
Wales vs Sweden – 28th Nov 09 – St Helens (KO 1pm)
1. Catrin Edwards (Cardiff Quins)
2. Becky Newton (Cardiff Quins)
3. Hannah Roberts (UWIC)
4. Gemma Hallett (Pontyclun)
5. Claire Donovan (Saracens)
6. Rachel Taylor (Cardiff Quins)
7. Catrina Nicholas (Cardiff Quins)
8. Mel Berry (capt) (Blaydon)
9. Amy Day (Bristol Ladies)
10. Elinor Snowsill (Loughborough)
11. Caryl James (Cardiff Quins)
12. Clare Flowers (Bristol Ladies)
13. Rachel Poolman (UWIC)
14. Lou Rickard (Woodbridge)
15. Non Evans (Cardiff Quins)
Replacements
16. Jenny Davies (Waterloo)
17. Claire Horgan (Saracens)
18. Louise Horgan (Saracens)
19. Lisa Newton (UWIC)
20. Laura Prosser (Cardiff Quins)
21. Awen Thomas (Unattached)
22. Aimee Young (UWIC)
