Amy Day replaces Laura Prosser at scrum half while Charlie Murray makes her first start of the campaign after impressing as a replacement in Sunday’s win away to Scotland where she scored a second half try. Philippa Tuttiett makes way for her on the wing.
The pack has been boosted with 157 caps with the introduction of prop Jenny Davies, hooker Lowri Harries, second row Gemma Hallett and back row Catrina Nicholas. Megan York, Carys Phillips, Vicky Owens and Nia Davies all move down to the replacements bench.
Wales Women’s head coach Rhys Edwards has no qualms about making so many changes against a strong England side.
“Charlie had her first opportunity against Scotland and looked dangerous every time she got her hands on the ball," he said. "She took her try really well while Amy also did well when she got her chance.
“In the forwards all the players who are coming in for the England game made an impact when they came on against Scotland. They steadied the ship in what was a tough game in demanding conditions. We can’t afford to start slowly against England so I think their experience will prove invaluable.”
Wales’ win against Scotland last Sunday has edged them in front of Italy for the last spot up for grabs in the race for automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup.
“Italy still have an outside chance of overturning that but they would have to beat Ireland this weekend and we would have to concede an avalanche of points against England,” said Edwards.
“But our mindset is to go out and beat England. We played well against Ireland in our first game at Talbot Athletic Ground to lose by only two points. The following week they then beat England by 25-0. We’ve just to go for it.”
Wales Women v England Woman: Sun 17th Mar 13, Talbot Athletic Ground 2.30pm
15 Dyddgy Hywel (Caernarfon)
14 Caryl James (Cardiff Quins)
13 Elen Evans (Waterloo)
12 Rebecca de Filippo (Cardiff Quins)
11 Charlie Murray (Neath Athletic)
10 Elinor Snowsill (Bristol)
9 Amy Day (Unattached);
1 Jenny Davies (Waterloo)
2 Lowri Harries (Neath Athletic)
3 Catrin Edwards (Cardiff Quins)
4 Gemma Hallett (Pontyclun)
5 Shona Powell-Hughes (Neath Athletic)
6 Catrina Nicholas (Cardiff Quins)
7 Sioned Harries (Cardiff Quins)
8 Rachel Taylor (Bristol - Capt)
Replacements:
Carys Phillips (Cardiff Met)
Megan York (Blaenau Gwent)
Bethan Howell (Seven Sisters)
Nia Davies (Cardiff Met)
Vicky Owens (Pontyclun)
Laura Prosser (Pontyclun)
Philippa Tuttiett (Cardiff Quins)
Leila Johns (Unattached)
