Wales Announce Three Starting Changes for Ireland Match
Saracens lock Georgia Evans is set to earn her 47th cap for Wales this Saturday as the team prepares for their Six Nations encounter against Ireland at 18:30 BST.
Carys Cox and Hannah Dallavalle return to the Welsh backline after missing recent matches. Cox was sidelined due to a training injury, missing the defeats against France and England, while Dallavalle was a late withdrawal in the game against England.
Cox will rejoin the midfield alongside Courtney Keight, and Dallavalle, typically a centre, will shift to the wing, replacing Seren Singleton.
The third change is in the second row, where Georgia Evans starts in place of the injured Gwen Crabb. This marks Evans' first start of the Six Nations campaign. She will partner with Branwen Metcalfe, who switches positions with Jorja Aiono in the back row.
On the bench, Nikita Prothero is poised to make her debut, while Natalia John may achieve her 50th cap during the match.
Bethan Lewis will captain Wales at the Affidea Stadium. Kate Williams has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to a leg injury.
Team Updates and Player Highlights
Wales' rising talent Jorja Aiono has expressed pride in her Samoan heritage, while Branwen Metcalfe recently signed a new contract with Gloucester-Hartpury. Unfortunately, Wales captain Kate Williams is sidelined for the rest of the Six Nations.
Wales have yet to secure a win in this year's tournament, with their last Six Nations victory recorded against Italy in 2024. Despite this, the team remains optimistic following their four-try performance against reigning world champions England.
"We are excited to resume the Six Nations and build on the grit and resilience we showed against England," said Wales head coach Sean Lynn.
"We took another real step forward in building our playing style and team identity and we know we have to do the same against Ireland in their own backyard.
"This is a new-look Wales squad and it's all about sticking to our principles and process and focussing on what we want to do and expect from ourselves in the Test arena.
"Ireland are an ambitious side and will be hurting after their run of results in the tournament and we know they will be looking to make a statement in Belfast on Saturday."
Match Details and Viewing Information
The match will kick off on Saturday, 9 May, at 18:30 BST. Fans can watch every match live on BBC and the website and app. Match commentaries will be available on BBC Radio 5 Live, Sports Extra, and . Live text updates and match highlights will also be accessible online.
Wales Starting Lineup vs Ireland
Wales: Powell; Dallavalle, Cox, Keight, J Joyce; George, Bevan; Pyrs, Jones, Tuipulotu, Metcalfe, Evans, Aiono, Lewis (capt), King
Replacements: Reardon, Davies, Rose, John, A Joyce, Lockwood, Bell, Prothero
Referee: Aurélie Groizeleau (FFR)
Assistant Referees: Alexandra Ferre (FFR), Beatrice Smussi (FIR)
