The short version
- Bethan Lewis starts at flanker for the first time this campaign as Wales rotate five players ahead of their second WXV match against Japan.
- Centre Freya Bell is ruled out with a serious knee injury, prompting Courtney Keight to enter the starting lineup in her place.
- The team aims to secure a third win from four matches in the tournament after previously defeating South Africa and Japan while losing narrowly to the United States.
Wales has implemented five changes to its starting XV for the upcoming second WXV Test against Japan, scheduled for Saturday at Kumagaya Rugby Stadium. The adjustments reflect a strategic decision by head coach Sean Lynn to integrate impactful substitutes from the previous round into the primary lineup. This rotation occurs as the team seeks to maintain momentum following a 17-0 victory in Tokyo last weekend, aiming to conclude their tournament campaign with another strong performance.
Flanker Bethan Lewis earns her first start of the current campaign, stepping into the pack after delivering notable contributions off the bench during the opening match. Her promotion coincides with a positional shift for co-captain Alex Callender, who moves from flanker to number eight. These changes underscore Lynn’s intent to reward players who demonstrated high performance levels in relief roles, reinforcing the squad’s depth and competitive standards.
Further adjustments in the forward pack include the elevation of Gwen Crabb and Gwenllian Pyrs from the replacement bench to starting positions. These selections aim to bolster the physical contest at the breakdown and set pieces, areas where Wales faced testing conditions during their initial encounter with Japan. The inclusion of these players signals a desire to apply greater pressure on the Japanese side, which is expected to respond with increased intensity after their earlier defeat.
In the backline, Lleucu George replaces Keira Bevan at fly-half, partnering with Seren Lockwood. Lockwood was instrumental in the previous victory, crossing for two tries and providing creative impetus in attack. The pairing of George and Lockwood offers a different dynamic in midfield, potentially altering the tempo and distribution patterns against a resilient Japanese defense. This change highlights the coaching staff’s focus on maintaining attacking fluidity while adapting to opponent strategies.
A significant absence from the squad is centre Freya Bell, who has suffered a serious knee injury during the opening Test. Bell is expected to be sidelined for an extended period, receiving comprehensive medical care as the team prioritizes her long-term recovery. Courtney Keight steps in to fill the vacancy at centre, bringing experience and stability to the backline. The loss of Bell presents a challenge for Wales, requiring remaining players to adapt quickly to cover the gap in both defensive structure and attacking options.
Coach Lynn has maintained his preference for a bench composition featuring six forwards and two backs, emphasizing physical depth and late-game impact. This strategy aligns with the team’s identity of prioritizing collective effort over individual star power. The coaching staff believes that intense competition for places drives overall performance standards, fostering an environment where players are motivated to elevate their game regardless of starting status.
Wales currently holds the 11th position in the world rankings, having overtaken Japan following last week’s win. The team’s campaign has been marked by mixed results, including victories over South Africa and Japan, alongside a narrow loss to the United States. Lynn acknowledges that while the previous win was achieved through effective problem-solving under difficult conditions, greater accuracy and consistency are required for an 80-minute performance against a determined Japanese side.
The upcoming match will be broadcast live on iplayer and the BBC Sport website and app, with audio commentary available on Sounds, BBC Radio Wales Extra, and BBC Radio Cymru. As Wales looks to finish their WXV duties on a high note, the focus remains on executing fundamental skills and maintaining discipline. The outcome of this fixture will further shape the team’s trajectory as they prepare for future international commitments, testing the resilience and adaptability of Lynn’s squad.
Sources behind this briefing
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- BBC Sport↗Wales make five changes as Lynn rewards bench
