Burgess: We can win in France

Wales go into the game minus a head coach after Kris de Scossa stepped down from the role abruptlylast weekend.

Wales won last weekends match against Ireland in a one-point game with the Welsh winning 15-14 and though they have never beaten France, they travel in good confidence.

There are three changes to the team, one positional,.

All the changes are in the backline with experienced Awen Thomas replacing Elinor Snowsill at fly half, Kerin Lake coming into the side on the wing, Mared Evans moving to outside centre and Adi Taviner dropping to the bench.

Forwards coach Liza Burgess is fully aware of the challenge ahead in Bourgoin with Wales having never won on French soil.

I thought the girls played extremely well against Ireland, she said. Our set-piece went well and we dominated the scrums. We were in fact so much in control at the scrum we were being pinged for everything from hitting too early and not binding which I thought was a bit harsh.

But the win against Ireland should give us plenty of confidence for the France game. If we execute everything to 100 per cent and do the simple things right, I see no reason why we cant pull off a win. Some of our decision making has been appalling so we have to cut out all the silly little errors to stand a chance.

Burgess has, however, been impressed with the progress the young squad has made this season.

Ashley [Rowlands] and Shona [Powell Hughes] have been brilliant as a unit in the second row. Ash had a great game against Ireland. I think she is finding her feet at this level and whats great is she soaks up everything like a sponge.

Burgess also paid tribute to loose-head prop Jenny Davies who will be earning her 50thcap for Wales.

Its a fantastic achievement for any player to get 50 caps but Jenny is on top form at the moment, shes on fire and holds a lot of respect within the squad. Shes a real grafter and hasnt looked back this campaign after coming on as a replacement in the first game against England.

Wales Women v France Women - Stade Pierre Rajon - Saturday, 19 March

15 Aimee Young - Bath Ladies

14 Kerin Lake - Neath Athletic

13 Mared Evans UWIC

12 Elen Evans Dolgellau

11 Caryl James - Cardiff Quins

10 Awen Thomas - Cross Keys

9 Amy Day - Cross Keys

1 Jenny Davies Waterloo

2 Rhian Bowden - Cross Keys

3 Catrin Edwards - Cardiff Quins (capt)

4 Ashley Rowlands Wasps

5 Shona Powell Hughes - Neath Athletic

6 Lisa Newton UWIC

8 Jamie Kift - Cross Keys

7 Sioned Harries - UWIC

Replacements

16 Lowri Harries - Neath Athletic

17 Caryl Thomas - BathLadies

18 Vicky Owens UWIC

19 Rachel Taylor - Cardiff Quins

20 Laura Prosser - Pontyclun

21 Elinor Snowsill - Cardiff Quins

22 Adi Taviner - Neath Athletic