Wales make four changes for historic Six Nations finale at Principality Stadium

WALES centre Hannah Bluck makes her first start of this year’s Six Nations in the finale against Italy at Principality Stadium on Saturday.

Ioan Cunningham’s side head into the game at risk of mirroring Warren Gatland’s men in enduring a whitewash on their way to a wooden spoon.

Wales need to at least win with a bonus to stand any chance of climbing above Ireland and Italy, who are five points ahead of them.

The head coach makes four changes to the XV that was overpowered by France at Cardiff Arms Park last weekend.

Bluck partners captain Hannah Jones in midfield while full-back Jenny Hesketh, wing Lisa Neumann and scrum-half Kiera Bevan also come in, with the pack unchanged.

Cunningham said: “Nobody needs to tell us how important this game is for us within the tournament, or for what follows, but our focus is totally on what we need to do as a team.

“We’re making history by playing the first stand-alone women’s Test match at the Principality Stadium and it’s a stage this squad of players have worked hard for and deserve.

“We know how important the home crowd has always been to our performances at home and this is no different.

“The Welsh supporters have been a big part of our successes, and we look forward to them getting behind us again.

“Against France, we created pressure and opportunities, and we just need to be more clinical and finish off those opportunities.

“Hannah Bluck has trained well all through this campaign and deserves the opportunity to start at against Italy and the experienced Lisa Neumann comes in on the wing.

“Our focus has been on what we need to do this week. We’re looking forward to the challenge and finishing the tournament on a high.”

Wing Jasmine Joyce and full-back Kayleigh Powell have returned to GB Sevens duty while Kerin Lake (shoulder), Bethan Lewis (foot) and Mollie Wilkinson (knee) were unavailable for selection.

Ireland host Scotland (2.30pm) before the title showdown between France and England in Bordeaux at 4.45pm.

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

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