Wales Aim for First WXV2 Win Against Japan with Key Lineup Changes

Ahead of their crucial final game against Japan in Cape Town on Friday, Wales Rugby is making strategic changes to its lineup to secure a much-needed victory in the WXV2 tournament, BBC reported. Kayleigh Powell steps into the fly-half position following Lleucu George's knee injury during last week's loss to Italy. Joining the changes, Sisilia Tuipulotu is set to start in the front row while Abbie Fleming takes the lock position over Georgia Evans.

Wales, winless after two tournament rounds and sitting at the bottom of the table with just one bonus point, faces potential relegation to WXV3 in 2026, post the 2023 Rugby World Cup. To avoid this fate, they must defeat Japan, though a draw could suffice if they achieve a try bonus point and Italy suffers a heavy defeat to South Africa without earning a bonus point.

Both Japan and Wales are on the hunt for their first tournament victories, but Japan currently stays ahead thanks to three bonus points from their matches against South Africa and Scotland. Ioan Cunningham, the head coach of Wales, emphasized internal focus and improvement post their match with Italy. According to him, converting pressure into points remains key, urging his team to be more decisive in the red zone against Japan.

Despite the setback of losing Lleucu George, Cunningham views this as a pivotal chance for Kayleigh Powell to contribute a distinct threat at the fly-half position. Additionally, he believes Abbie Fleming's inclusion will add physicality to the team dynamic in her second-row start.

Wales Squad:

Starters: Jasmine Joyce; Carys Cox, Captain Hannah Jones, Hannah Bluck, Nel Metcalfe; Kayleigh Powell, Keira Bevan; Gwenllian Pyrs, Carys Phillips, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Natalia John, Abbie Fleming, Alisha Butchers, Alex Callender, Bethan Lewis.

Bench: Molly Reardon, Maisie Davies, Donna Rose, Georgia Evans, Kate Williams, Sian Jones, Robyn Wilkins, Courtney Keight.

Earlier, SSP wrote that BCCI introduced new rule for player withdrawals from IPL.