Wales make sweeping changes for must-win Canada game

Prop Sisilia Tuipulotu started on the bench against Scotland last weekend

Women's Rugby World Cup 2025: Canada v Wales

Venue: Salford Community Stadium Date: Saturday, 30 August Kick-off: 12:00 BST

Coverage: Live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport online, Radio Wales, Radio Cymru and BBC Sounds

Head coach Sean Lynn has made seven changes to the starting XV for Wales' must-win Rugby World Cup game against Canada on Saturday, including an enforced switch of captaincy.

Wales are looking for redemption after last weekend's six-try hammering by Scotland, which severely dented their quarter-final hopes.

Bethan Lewis will lead the side for the first time with both co-captains Alex Callender and Kate Williams ruled out through injury.

There is an all-new front row of Maisie Davies, Molly Reardon and Sisilia Tuipulotu, while Abbie Fleming comes in at lock.

Georgia Evans and Bryonie King join Lewis in the back-row, while Carys Cox takes her place in the midfield.

"I've said to the girls 'if you are not performing, you're out' and individuals just have to step up, and some girls are going to be taking opportunities," said Lynn.

"We all know that performance wasn't good enough on Saturday and it's about putting that to bed now and making sure we have a really good training week.

"We've just come back from the training paddock and it's been a really positive session with good energy. It's making sure now that on Saturday we're putting pride back in that jersey."

Wales' bench has also had a complete overhaul, with youngsters Tilly Vucaj, Seren Lockwood and uncapped Branwen Metcalfe all given an opportunity.

Gwenllian Pyrs is set for her 50th cap, with Kelsey Jones and Jenni Scoble the other front row replacements.

Kayleigh Powell provides cover in the backs while Kerin Lake makes her return from injury.

Canada - ranked second in the world - currently top Pool B after their 11-try demolition of Fiji last weekend, six of which came for full-back Julia Schell.

They can guarantee their place in the knockouts with victory over Wales in Salford, while Scotland can join them by beating Fiji later on Saturday.

Canada head coach Kevin Rouet has also had a reshuffle, with five starting changes.

McKinley Hunt and Emily Tuttosi come into the front row, Karen Paquin is set for her fourth World Cup appearance in the back row, while lock Tyson Beukeboom will win her 80th cap.

Asia Hogan-Rochester will make her World Cup debut on the wing, marking her first appearance for Canada since suffering an injury against Australia earlier this year.

Claire Gallagher could make her tournament debut from the bench.

Wales will be hoping to cause an upset against Canada or hope Fiji can surprise the Scots who completely outplayed Lynn's side in the opening game.

"We have taken a hard look at ourselves and there have been honest conversations about the performance we need against one of the best teams in the world," said Lynn.

"There have been changes and they have been made because players have earned the opportunity in training to play in a World Cup.

"All 23 players selected have been told to be brave and to have no regrets when they walk off the field on Saturday."

Canada's Rouet said: "It was great to start with such a strong performance against Fiji last week, but as a team we must shift our mindset to Wales.

"The squad is excited to get back out there a test ourselves again against another quality opponent."

Line-ups

Canada: Julia Schell; Alysha Corrigan, Florence Symonds, Alexandra Tessier, Asia Hogan-Rochester; Taylor Perry, Justine Pelletier; McKinley Hunt, Emily Tuttosi, DaLeaka Menin, Sophie de Goede, Tyson Beukeboom, Caroline Crossley, Karen Paquin, Gabrielle Senft

Replacements: Gillian Boag, Brittany Kassil, Olivia DeMerchant, Courtney O'Donnell, Fabiola Forteza, Olivia Apps, Claire Gallagher, Shoshanah Seumanutafa.

Wales: Nel Metcalfe; Jasmine Joyce-Butchers, Carys Cox, Courtney Keight, Lisa Neumann; Lleucu George, Keira Bevan; Maisie Davies, Molly Reardon, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Abbie Fleming, Gwen Crabb, Bryonie King, Bethan Lewis, Georgia Evans

Replacements: Kelsey Jones, Gwenllian Pyrs, Jenni Scoble, Tilly Vucaj, Branwen Metcalfe, Seren Lockwood, Kayleigh Powell, Kerin Lake.