Powell replaces injured Wales fly-half George in France
Women's Six Nations: France v WalesVenue: Stade Amedee-Domenech, Brive Date: Saturday, 12 April Kick-off: 12:45 BSTCoverage: Watch on BBC One Wales, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Online, listen on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Sounds
Fly-half Lleucu George has been ruled out of Wales' Six Nations match against France on Saturday with an ankle injury.In an otherwise unchanged side from the 67-12 defeat by England, head coach Sean Lynn moves centre Kayleigh Powell to 10 and drafts Courtney Keight into midfield.Bristol's Keight partners captain Hannah Jones at centre, with another Bears player, assistant captain Kiera Bevan, at scrum-half.The back three remains unchanged with triple GB Olympian Jasmine Joyce-Butchers at full-back and Carys Cox and Lisa Neumann the wings.Lynn has also stuck with the same pack with flankers Alex Callender (foot) and Alisha Butchers (virus) still out.Brython Thunder lock Natalia John returns from injury among the replacements, while Gwalia Lightning prop Jenny Scoble remains the only starter based in Wales. "These players deserve another opportunity to represent the Wales family against one of the best sides in the world and we know we face a Test match in front of a hostile crowd in France," said Lynn.
Wales have lost both games in this year's Six Nation's after finishing bottom of the table in 2024.There were some positive signs in a nail-biting encounter with Scotland 24-21 in Edinburgh in Lynn's first game in charge last month.However, they were overwhelmed by England in front of a record crowd of more than 21,000 at the Principality Stadium two weeks ago."The players, coaches and staff have put the fallow week to good use and worked hard to improve and hone our game," said Lynn."We know we can do better. Some aspects of our performance against England were not good enough and we are determined to put that right in France."We know France are a world class outfit but we have to challenge ourselves to match them."France are second in the table behind the Red Roses, having won 27-15 in Ireland before beating Scotland 38-15. Coaches Gaëlle Mignot and David Ortiz have made one change from that victory in La Rochelle, with Emilie Boulard replacing Mélissande Llorens on the wing.
France: Morgane Bourgeois; Kelly Arbey, Marine Menager (co-capt), Montserrat Amedee, Emilie Boulard; Carla Arbez, Pauline Bourdon-Sansus; Yllana Brosseau, Manon Bigot, Rose Bernadou, Manae Feleu (co-capt), Madouddou Fall-Raclot, Charlotte Escudero, Seraphine Okemba, Teani Feleu.Replacements: Elisa Riffonneau, Ambre Mwayembe, Assia Khalfaoui, Kiara Zago, Axelle Berthoumieu, Lea Champon, Oceane Bordes, Lina Queyroi.Wales: Jasmine Joyce; Lisa Neumann, Hannah Jones (capt), Courtney Keight, Carys Cox; Kayleigh Powell, Keira Bevan; Gwenllian Pyrs, Carys Phillips, Jenni Scoble, Abbie Fleming, Gwen Crabb, Kate Williams, Bethan Lewis, Georgia Evans.Replacements: Kelsey Jones, Maisie Davies, Donna Rose, Natalia John, Alaw Pyrs, Bryonie King, Sian Jones, Nel Metcalfe.Referee: Holly Wood (RFU)Assistant referees: Sara Cox (RFU) & Maria Heitor (FPR)TMO: Leo Colgan (IRFU)FPRO: Rachel Horton (RA)
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