No-nonsense exit from the Spanish, who clear up to half way without hesitation.

Wales look to attack down the right wing but the ball is knocked on, so we will have the first scrum of the game just inside the Spanish half.

Referee Aurelie Groizeleau of France gets this crucial game started, and it is Lleucu George who kicks deep into Spanish territory.

Speaking to S4C, Spain head coach Juan González Marruecos said: "I think we are confident.

"I think the girls are good, they have been working really well.

"We look forward to playing a good game today here in Wales. We feel pretty good.

"We believe we can do it, but it's so long since we played Wales. It's more about how we feel and I think we can do it.

"They're (Wales) big, they're strong and good in scrum and mauls. From what we've seen in the Six Nations, I think they'll try to beat us in that part of the game."

I'm sure this is just me, but the Spanish team have walked out in numerical order and I really appreciate it.

I can't recall ever seeing that before.

Caryl James
Former Wales wing on BBC Radio Cymru

They're (Spain) fast, they're young and they're very skilful.

I expect to see them using a lot of the ball and moving the ball quickly.

They're small in terms of size, so I expect Wales to dominate them physically.

But if we give them time to run, they're very dangerous.

Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham speaking to S4C: "It's going to be a tough test.

"We've analysed plenty of Spain's games and they're a very good side, but we've had a good week of preparation.

"It's important that we start well and put our stamp on the game early.

"We've spoken about building on the momentum of the Italy win and that's what we want to do today.

"We've tried to open the game up a bit more, we've worked on moving the ball more and that's what I'm hoping to see more of today from the players."

Image source, Getty Images

Elinor Snowsill
Former Wales fly-half on BBC Radio Wales

It's an absolutely huge game for the players and all of the staff involved.

Wales wouldn't have hoped to be in this place following a disappointing Six Nations. They were meant to be on a rest period at this point.

It's going to be a real challenge for the players, especially after nine of the players in the squad were involved in a huge PWR [Premier Women's Rugby] final last week.

It's been a very long season, but they'll be highly motivated to make the second tier of WXV and World Cup qualification.

Need something to listen to ahead of kick-off?

In the latest episode of the Scrum V podcast, Gareth Rhys Own, Lauren Jenkins and Philippa Tuttiett went into camp with Wales ahead of today's play-off match against Spain.

You can listen to the full episode here.

Image source, BBC Sport

Alecs Donovan
Former Wales centre on BBC Radio Wales

Maybe Scotland and Ireland being in that tier two (of the WXV) improved their performance whereas Wales came back after loss after loss in that top tier.

So that's really hard. You almost get used to winning or used to losing, so maybe as a team they just weren't bonded.

Matt Lloyd
BBC Sport at Cardiff Arms Park

You cannot overstate how much rides on this match for Wales and their head coach Ioan Cunningham.

If they win then they're heading to next year's World Cup but if they lose... gulp!

That would be a disaster compared to the progress we had seen over the previous two years and questions would need to be asked of the management after finishing bottom of the Six Nations table.

The WRU has invested in the women's game, professional contracts have been handed out, a regional level created, top training facilities made available at the Vale of Glamorgan and players regularly appearing for the best club teams in England.

So if the return on that investment is going into WXV3 alongside Hong Kong and Madagascar...

At the age of 24, Kate Williams went in pursuit of a rugby dream which would be realised with the first of 13 Wales caps in the 2023 Women's Six Nations.

But it was not until last Saturday when a Premiership Women's Rugby winner's medal was hung around Williams' neck that the sacrifice seemed worth it.

Gloucester-Hartpury beat Bristol Bears 36-24 to retain their title, with flanker Williams featuring as a replacement - a role she has also been asked to fulfil today for Wales.

It was her rookie season with the Cherry and Whites and she said it was "probably the best way it could have gone".

"It did all feel worth it because we've both put in some hard yards in the last 18 months," said Williams.

"I know I've had this amazing journey in the Wales jersey as well, but it has been a tough year at Gloucester because there are so many amazing players, trying to get into the team, and with the travel, because I am still living in Swansea."

Read more: Williams' rookie season 'the best it could have gone'

Image source, Getty Images

Alecs Donovan
Former Wales centre on BBC Radio Wales

The last time Wales played Spain was 2019, and Spain won, which actually gives a good period of time to see how far we've actually come and how have the contracts improved these players.

It is a really crucial game, for performance, confidence going forward, and even looking at the management and every aspect of the WRU is down to this game today.

Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Abi Tierney says the ambitious strategy provides Welsh rugby with a "north star" to build success at all levels of the game.

Off the field, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has outlined its five-year plan for the future of the game in Wales.

Fittingly during a general election, the governing body has unveiled what is, in effect, its manifesto for rebuilding the national sport.

New chief executive Abi Tierney said the WRU aims to improve the men's and women's national teams as well as the regions, increase participation in the community and women's game and improve the game's finances.

However, the exact detail of just how it will achieve their "ambitious mission" is not expected until October.

More info: WRU reveals five-year plan to save Welsh rugby

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Alecs Donovan
Former Wales centre on BBC Radio Wales

It's a really big game today for the girls.

Not a game we really wanted, but hopefully they can put on a performance.

Siwan Lillicrap
Former Wales captain on BBC Radio Wales

Spain are a good side in Europe.

In 2019, the last time Wales played Spain out in Spain, the hosts won 29-5. It just shows they’re a good side.

They qualified for the 2017 World Cup but missed out in 2021, so they’re going to be really hungry to get back on to that world stage.

They’re a good outfit, they’ve got some great sevens players returning to play this game. They’re going to have threats around the park.

So it’s a challenge, but the way some of the Welsh girls are playing, especially in the PWR, lots of them played in the final last weekend, they’ve got a good chance of winning.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham says his side are "excited for one big push at the end of a long season".

With most professional players already relaxing into their summer break, Wales have spent the week preparing for this WXV play-off.

They take on Spain, who are on an impressive seven-game winning streak after clinching the Rugby Europe Women’s Championship.

"It’s a great opportunity in a massive game," said Cunningham.

"Spain are a quality team, we’ve watched them a few games.

"They move the ball well, they don’t go away, they keep coming at you, so it’s important that we’re in the right place mentally and emotionally."

Read More: 'One big push' for Wales at end of long season

Wales centre Kerin Lake says it will be an emotional occasion when she runs out for her 50th cap this afternoon.

The 34-year-old made her debut against Scotland in 2011 before taking time out in 2014 to have her son Jacob.

She says she is proud she was able to return and hopes to prove to more women in professional sport that having a family is possible.

Image source, Getty Images

Spain are familiar opponents to Wales having featured in the Women's Six Nations up until 2006.

The Spanish side come into the play-off full of confidence, having beaten Sweden 53-0 to record a seventh straight win and clinch the 2024 Rugby Europe Championship.

Currently ranked 13th in the world, five places behind Wales, they have also prepared for Saturday's Test with warm-up games against Canada.

Captain Laura Delgado will win her 40th cap this afternoon, while head coach Juan Gonzalez welcomes back Nerea Garcia, who missed the European Championship through injury.

Spain: Claudia Pena; Claudia Perez, Alba Vinuesa, Zahia Perez, Clara Piquero; Amalia Argudo, Lucia Diaz; Ines Antolinez, Marieta Roman, Laura Delgado (capt), Monica Castelo, Lourdes Alameda, Nerea Garcia, Alba Capell, Carmen Castellucci

Replacements: Nuria Jou, Maria Del Castillo, Sidorella Bracic, Anna Puig, Maria Calvo, Lia Pineiro, Maider Aresti, Martina Marquez

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham has gone with largely the same side that beat Italy in their only win of the Six Nations this year.

Centre Kerin Lake will win her 50th cap and is one of seven players who were crowned Premiership Women's Rugby champions with Gloucester-Hartpury last weekend.

There is a minor shuffle to the pack in the absence of injured Natalia John, with Georgia Evans moving to lock alongside Abbie Fleming.

They pack down behind Gwenllian Pyrs, Carys Phillips and Sisilia Tuipulotu.

Bethan Lewis comes in at number eight, with Alisha Butchers and Alex Callender making up the back row.

Keira Bevan partners Lleucu George in the half-backs, with Lake forming a familiar midfield with skipper Hannah Jones.

Lisa Neumann and Carys Cox are named on the wings, while Jenny Hesketh is at full-back.

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

Replacements: Molly Reardon, Abbey Constable, Donna Rose, Kate Williams, Gwennan Hopkins, Sian Jones, Robyn Wilkins, Courtney Keight.