Wales seek crucial Six Nations victory against Scotland in Cardiff
Wales will target a desperately needed Women’s Six Nations victory when they host Scotland at Principality Stadium on Saturday following a dismal previous campaign.
Head coach Sean Lynn is under mounting pressure to deliver positive results in his second year in charge.
The Welsh Rugby Union significantly increased investment when the side turned professional in 2022.
Despite initial success, including consecutive third-place tournament finishes, the national team has since suffered a severe decline in form.
Overhauled coaching staff
The former Premiership Women’s Rugby title-winning coach endured a punishing debut season at the helm.
His squad suffered defeats in all five championship matches last year before losing three consecutive World Cup pool fixtures.
The backroom staff has now been drastically reshaped to halt this alarming slide.
Ashley Beck and Steve Salvin have replaced Shaun Connor and Mike Hill to oversee the attack and forwards respectively.
New faces and renewed optimism
Former Scottish set-up member Tyrone Holmes has also crossed the divide to become the first full-time Welsh defence coach.
The playing roster itself features significant changes, with nine potential debutants named in the latest squad.
“It’s a high performance sport,” said Lynn.
“I learned a lot about myself last year. I learned a lot about the group and I learned a lot about the programme.”
“Those small changes that I’ve made within the programme itself, the Celtic Challenge, what we’re looking at coming into camp, I’m hoping we will start to see the big difference in that.”
Taking inspiration from the men’s squad
The women’s setup is looking to mirror the recent resurgence of their male counterparts.
Men’s head coach Steve Tandy recently guided his squad to a drought-breaking final-round victory over Italy.
This cross-department collaboration has provided a vital boost to morale in Cardiff.
“I’ve worked really closely with Steve Tandy, I’ve been into his camp, it’s an open environment,” added the head coach.
“That’s what we’re about, supporting each other as a nation.”
Captain Kate Williams believes her side must forge their own path to success this weekend.
“We can be inspired by them, but we’re not limited to what they’re doing as well,” Williams explained.
“We’re looking internally about what we can do and finding confidence in ourselves.”
