Wales to be backed by big Principality Stadium crowd in bid to finish on a high

WALES will be roared on by a record crowd when they attempt to avoid a Women’s Six Nations wooden spoon against Italy at Principality Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Around 10,000 tickets have been sold for the final round clash (kick-off 12.15pm) with more punters expected to pay on the day.

The current record home gate for a stand-alone women’s Test match was the 8,500 that packed into Cardiff Arms Park for last year’s encounter with England.

Wales last played at Principality Stadium as part of a double-header against the Barbarians in 2019.

Ioan Cunningham’s side hope that the occasion can give them a lift as they battle to avoid finish bottom of the table.

“The fans have really stuck with us and that has been so important to us,” said Wales captain and centre Hannah Jones.

“This is when we need them most, when we need their support because these are tough times.

“Losing hurts us and we want to put that right and we are determined to do so against Italy this weekend, for ourselves, but also for your loyal and vocal fans.

“It is so uplifting to see the young girls in the crowd, to hear the voices during our matches and to see them waiting in the stands afterwards to support us, no matter what the result.

“We know the fans are right behind us every step of the way and it makes such a difference to us.”

Wales have failed to fire in the tournament so far but Cunningham is hopeful that his side have saved their best for last.

"It is focusing on our performance and not letting the occasion or the venue get the better of us," Cunningham said.

"We have to win, it's as simple as that, we've had a short turnaround from the France game and it's basically 'how can we win one game of rugby?'

"That's what we've discussed as a team and hopefully we can put it on the pitch."

Wales need to win with a bonus point to stand any chance of climbing off bottom to qualify for the WXV2 tournament. Fail and they would face a play off against Spain to feature in WXV2.

The Six Nations title will be decided when France host England on Saturday evening with both sides eyeing a Grand Slam in Bordeaux.

The French, ranked third in the world, will be backed by a near 34,462 full house at the Stade Chaban-Delmas.

Wales: Jenny Hesketh; Lisa Neumann, Hannah Jones (capt), Hannah Bluck, Carys Cox; Lleucu George, Keira Bevan; Gwenllian Pyrs, Carys Phillips, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Natalia John, Abbie Fleming, Alisha Butchers, Alex Callender, Georgia Evans.

Replacements: Kelsey Jones, Abbey Constable, Donna Rose, Kate Williams, Gwennan Hopkins, Sian Jones, Niamh Terry, Nel Metcalfe.

Fixtures: Wales v Italy (12.15pm), Ireland v Scotland (2.30pm), France v England (4.45pm).