Wales have unveiled a reshuffled starting XV for Saturday’s second WXV Test against Japan, with head coach Sean Lynn saying the adjustments reward the bench players who helped secure a 17-0 win in Tokyo last weekend. The changes come as the Welsh side look to clinch back‑to‑back victories at Kumagaya Rugby Stadium in Saitama Prefecture, a venue that will host the 07:00 GMT kickoff on 31 October.
Among the five starters to earn a promotion is flanker Bethan Lewis, who will make her first start of the campaign after impressing as an impact substitute in the Tokyo triumph. Co‑captain Alex Callender shifts from flanker to number eight, a move that gives Lynn a more dynamic ball‑carrier at the base of the scrum. The back row also sees bench regulars Gwen Crabb and Gwenllian Pyrs joining the pack, bolstering Wales’ forward options.
At fly‑half, Lleucu George replaces Keira Bevan, pairing with wing Seren Lockwood, who crossed for two tries in the previous test. George’s selection reflects Lynn’s desire to keep the back‑line fresh while maintaining continuity in the attacking structure. In the centre, Courtney Keight steps in for Freya Bell, who suffered a serious knee injury in the opening match and is now expected to miss the rest of the tournament.
Lynn has again opted for a bench heavy on forwards, fielding six front‑row players and only two backs. “We have made the changes to reward the players who finished the job in Tokyo,” he told reporters after confirming the line‑up. The coach added that the squad’s “team‑first” DNA and competition for places are vital for raising standards. “We are obviously disappointed with the injury to Freya Bell, but she will get the best care and we hope to see her back soon,” he said, emphasizing the medical team’s role in her recovery.
Wales enter the match ranked 11th in the world, having overtaken Japan after the opening‑week victory. Their WXV campaign so far includes wins over Japan and South Africa and a narrow defeat to the United States. The upcoming game offers a chance to finish the tournament on a high note and further climb the global rankings.
Lynn reflected on the team’s performance in Tokyo, noting that the side “found a way in the first Test in Tokyo and the way the players problem‑solved during the game was key for all the coaches.” He warned, however, that consistency will be essential against a resilient Japanese side. “We know we have to be much more accurate and produce a consistent, 80‑minute performance to beat a resilient Japan side that we know will be hurting,” he said.
The match will be streamed live on the BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app, with audio commentary available on Sounds, BBC Radio Wales Extra and BBC Radio Cymru. Referee Julianne Zussman from Rugby Canada will oversee the game, assisted by Sunny Lee (Hong Kong Cricket) and Hibiki Ikeda (Japan Rugby Football Union).
Wales’ revised lineup lists Ella Neumann at fullback, with the back row comprising N. Metcalfe, Cox, Keight and A. Williams. The midfield will see George at fly‑half, Lockwood on the wing, Pyrs at inside centre, K. Jones and Tuipulotu on the outside, while B. Metcalfe, Crabb and K. Williams complete the back three. The bench includes Reardon, Davies, E. Jones, Aiono, Evans, King, Bevan and De Vera, ready to inject fresh energy as the match unfolds.
As the Welsh squad prepares for the final test of their WXV journey, the focus remains on translating the bench impact into a cohesive, full‑time performance. The team’s ability to adapt and maintain intensity for the full 80 minutes will determine whether they can secure a second win and end the tournament on a positive trajectory. The next step for Lynn and his players will be to execute the game plan in Kumagaya, aiming to cement Wales’ rising status in women’s international rugby.
