Jasmine Joyce-Butchers to Celebrate 50th Cap as Wales Aim for Double Victory Over Australia

Jasmine Joyce-Butchers to Win 50th Cap

Jasmine Joyce-Butchers is set to earn her 50th cap for Wales as they aim for a double victory over Australia in Sydney. This milestone comes eight years after her union debut against Scotland in the 2017 Six Nations.

Key Lineup Changes

Head coach Sean Lynn has made seven changes to the starting lineup following their 21-12 victory in Brisbane. These changes are part of Lynn's strategy to give players game time before the Rugby World Cup in August. Notable inclusions are Kate Williams in the back row and Sisilia Tuipulotu, who returns to the front row after recovering from injury.

Australia's Response

Australia, under coach Jo Yapp, has made six changes to their starting lineup, including the return of star wing Maya Stewart from a knee injury. The Wallaroos are determined to level the series in front of their home crowd.

World Cup Preparations

Lynn plans to announce his World Cup squad upon their return to Wales. The team's Pool B opener is against Scotland on August 23 in Manchester. Games against Canada and Fiji will follow, with the top two teams advancing to the knockout stage.

Joyce-Butchers' Reflections

Joyce-Butchers expressed her excitement about reaching this milestone and praised the team's environment under Lynn. She highlighted the importance of backing up their win against Australia, referencing their previous victory at Rodney Parade last September.

Match Details

Venue: North Sydney Oval, Sydney
Date: Friday, 1 August
Kick-off: 10:00 BST
Coverage: Watch on BBC Sport online and BBC iPlayer, listen on Radio Wales Extra, Cymru Fyw and BBC Sounds, the BBC Sport website and app

Teams

Australia: Caitlyn Halse; Maya Stewart, Georgina Friedrichs, Trilleen Pomare, Desiree Miller; Faitala Moleka, Samantha Wood; Faliki Pohiva, Katalina Amosa, Bridie O'Gorman, Kaitlan Leaney, Michaela Leonard, Piper Duck, Emily Chancellor (capt), Tabua Tuinakauvadra.

Replacements: Tania Naden, Lydia Kavoa, Alapeta Ngauamo, Ashley Fernandez, Ashley Marsters, Layne Morgan, Tia Hinds, Waiaria Ellis.

Wales: Nel Metcalfe; Jasmine Joyce-Butchers, Carys Cox, Courtney Keight, Lisa Neumann; Kayleigh Powell, Keira Bevan; Gwenllian Pyrs, Carys Phillips, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Gwen Crabb, Abbie Fleming, Kate Williams (co-capt), Bethan Lewis, Alex Callender (co-capt).

Replacements: Molly Reardon, Maisie Davies, Jenni Scoble, Alaw Pyrs, Georgia Evans, Meg Davies, Lleucu George, Catherine Richards.