Wales coach Jason Lewis has sprung something of a surprise by
unveiling 23 players of the players in his Women's Rugby World
Cup 2010 squad, leaving six players to fight it out for the
remaining three spots.
Louise Rickard, the most capped player in Women's Rugby
with 110 caps since her debut in 1993, is one of these in this
category, albeit not being considered in her traditional position
of wing or full back but as a second row.
"Lou and I have spoken. Competition in the back three
has grown steadily over the last year or so. She still remains a
very good rugby player. It's just about where in the team can
she be accommodated, if at all," explained Lewis.
"She's always been a very fit individual. She has
the mental fitness without question, she is very powerful, but can
she jump? We need to find out and if she can she could find a place
in the second row.
The others on the "possibles" list with Rickard are
full back Kerin Lake, props Hannah Roberts and Caryl Thomas, centre
Elen Evans and versatile back Elinor Snowsill with Lewis eager for
them to show they are worthy of a place.
"The thought process behind that [leaving three places
open] is that we think there are 23 definites who showed through
their performances recently they are worthy of their place. There
are six players who have to continue to show us they are worthy of
a place - so it's up to those six players to put their hands up
to gain one of the places."
Future of the squad
Lake was part of the Wales Under 20 squad that beat their
England counterparts 12-7 last week, with five others earning a
place among the 23 players selected by Lewis for the World, which
will be held in England from 20 August to 5 September.
The players who took their chance with the Under 20s to
impress Lewis are hooker Lowri Harries, prop Alex Stokes, second
row Shona Powell-Hughes, back row Sioned Harries and centre Adi
Taviner.
"We've watched a number of girls in the two recent
U20 internationals against England. They've also played in the
recent regional selections and stood out, confirming in my mind
they can play at senior level and make a difference. The girls
we've selected add value to the squad and hopefully they can go
on to be the future of the squad."
Another interesting selection is that of Mellissa Berry as a
centre, rather than her normal back row spot. Berry, who will share
the captaincy with Jamie Kift, is no stranger to the backline,
having played there in the Six Nations as a result of injuries.
"Mel's been captain for something like five years.
There is nothing wrong in her captaincy but we've moved her to
the centre and she's going to have plenty to think about there,
so we're hoping to lighten the workload in what will be an
intensive month. Therefore we've picked a second captain and
Jamie Kift is that person."
Wales will open their campaign against RWC Sevens winners
Australia, before facing the improving South Africa four days later
and then three-time defending champions New Zealand in their final
Pool A match on 28 August.
"We'll be underdogs but I am comfortable with that,
there is no easy side in that pool," admitted Lewis.
"We've got to go out and win our games against Australia
and South Africa to be in with a chance. Then it's down to the
last game against New Zealand - I am confident we can go out and
put in a good performance."
Wales Women's squad:
Forwards: Jenny Davies (Waterloo/Blues), Lowri Harries
(UWIC/Blues), Catrin Edwards (Cardiff Quins/ Scarlets), Alex Stokes
(Neath Athletic/Ospreys), Rhian Bowden (UWIC/Dragons), Gemma
Hallett (Pontyclun/Blues), Shona Powell-Hughes (Neath
Athletic/Ospreys), Rachel Taylor (Cardiff Quins/Ospreys), Catrina
Nicholas (Cardiff Quins/Blues), Jamie Kift (Captain - Bristol
Ladies/Dragons), Sioned Harries (UWIC/ Scarlets), Lisa Newton
(UWIC/Ospreys).
Backs: Amy Day (Bristol Ladies/Dragons), Laura Prosser
(Cardiff Quins/Blues), Awen Thomas (Scarlets), Naomi Thomas
(Cardiff Quins/Scarlets), Mared Evans (UWIC/Dragons), Clare Flowers
(Bristol Ladies), Ceri Redman (UWIC), Mellissa Berry (Captain -
Blaydon), Caryl James (Cardiff Quins/Scarlets), Non Evans (Cardiff
Quins/Scarlets).
Possibles (three from): Hannah Roberts (UWIC/Dragons), Louise
Rickard (Woodbridge), Caryl Thomas (Bath Ladies/Dragons), Kerin
Lake (Neath Athletic/Ospreys), Elen Evans (Dolgellau/Scarlets),
Elinor Snowsill (Loughbourgh).
