Cox returns as Wales face confident USA side with Evans set for 50th cap

Carys Cox has been restored to Wales’ starting lineup for Saturday’s WXV Global Series match against the USA Women’s Eagles at Cardiff Arms Park, returning from the injury that kept her out of last Friday’s 50-19 victory over the Springbok Women. Georgia Evans will mark the occasion of her 50th Test cap by starting at lock alongside Branwen Metcalfe.

Cox, 27, slots into the back three alongside Amy Williams and Lisa Neumann. Her last appearance came when she started in Ealing Trailfinders’ Premiership Women’s Rugby final defeat to Saracens. Head coach Sean Lynn has otherwise kept faith with the forward pack that dismantled South Africa, with co-captains Alex Callender and Kate Williams continuing in the back row and Bryonie King at number eight.

The backs have been reshuffled. Keira Bevan, who started at fly-half last week, reverts to her preferred scrum-half role, with Lleucu George named as the starting playmaker. Courtney Keight and Freya Bell continue their midfield partnership. Seren Lockwood is unavailable due to HIA protocols but will travel with the squad for upcoming WXV fixtures in Japan.

The USA arrive in Cardiff full of momentum after a stunning second-half comeback saw them beat Ireland 40-36 in Dublin on Sunday. They are ranked sixth in the world — five places above Wales — a gap Lynn acknowledged while stressing his side’s intent to build on last week’s performance.

“We know we have to back that performance up against a fit, fast and athletic USA Eagles side which will turn up full of confidence after their win against Ireland in Dublin,” Lynn said. “USA are ranked six in the world rankings and five places above us, but we are excited by the challenge.”

Lynn also paid tribute to Evans ahead of her half-century of caps. “Georgia Evans will win her 50th cap for her country and deserves the accolade. Her work rate and commitment to her nation is an inspiration to all of us.”

On Cox’s return, Lynn added: “Coxy knows she has to perform with competition for places being part of the DNA we are building in the squad.”