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McComish handed start by Wales Women

Four Dragons Women have been named in the Wales Women team to face Hong Kong on Friday night (kick-off 7pm).

Ben Mottram | 13/11/2018

Alicia McComish makes her first start at centre start, for the game at Cardiff Arms Park, with Cerys Hale and Bethan Lewis also given spots in the line-up. Caryl Thomas is named among the replacements.

Wales Women head coach Rowland Phillips has announced a fresh-faced team with eight changes in the starting line-up from the team that beat South Africa 19-5 last Saturday.

Full back Lauren Smyth, who made her Wales debut aged 17 last weekend, keeps her place along with fellow backs Jasmine Joyce, Alecs Donovan and outside half Robyn Wilkins. Lisa Neumann starts on the left wing.

In the forwards, another 17-year-old, Glantaf pupil Manon Johnes, who came on early off the bench last Saturday to win her first senior cap, will make her first start on the blindside flank. She will join the backrow pair of Beth Lewis who retains her place on the openside, and No 8 Sioned Harries who will captain the side.

In the front five, only second row Mel Clay remains from last weekend’s win with her second row partner Gwen Crabb winning her first cap for Wales. 

There is a new front row with Cara Hope, Kelsey Jones and Cerys Hale and Hannah Jones joins an experienced bench.

Phillips said: "There is no chance of us underestimating Hong Kong, However, we are maximising the opportunity of an intense international period to build strength in depth as we build towards the Six Nations.

"We’re pleased with last weekend’s performance, especially with how the girls fronted up physically and defensively and there is plenty to build on.

"We had four first caps against South Africa and they all get a chance to build on that experience on Friday. It was pleasing to see Lauren adapt her skillset to international rugby and Manon, who came on earlier than expected showed what she is capable of.

"It’s outstanding to have this three Test series to try things out and take the knowledge into the Six Nations.

"We were buoyed by a great crowd last Saturday, it would be good to enjoy the same vocal support again on Friday night to kick off the international weekend."

Wales Women: Lauren Smyth (Ospreys), Jasmine Joyce (Scarlets), Alecs Donnovan (Ospreys), Alicia McComish (Dragons), Lisa Neumann (RGC), Robyn Wilkins (Blues), Ffion Lewis (Scarlets); Cara Hope (Ospreys), Kelsey Jones (Ospreys), Cerys Hale (Dragons), Gwen Crabb (Ospreys), Mel Clay (Ospreys), Manon Johnes (Blues), Bethan Lewis (Dragons), Sioned Harries (Scarlets).

Replacements: Cerys Phillips (Osprey), Caryl Thomas (Dragons), Amy Evans (Ospreys), Natalia John (Ospreys), Siman Lillicrap (Ospreys), Keira Bevan (Ospreys), Hannah Jones (Scarlets), Jess Kavanagh (RGC)

Tickets for the game are £5 for adults and £1 for concessions. Click HERE to buy online. 

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