Joyce-Butchers Set for 50th Cap as Wales Look to Secure Series Sweep Against Wallaroos

Wales eye double over Australia as Lynn tests squad depth ahead of Rugby World Cup

Jasmine Joyce-Butchers will earn her 50th international cap this weekend as Wales prepare for their final warm-up fixture before the Women’s Rugby World Cup — and they’re aiming to make it a memorable one by sealing back-to-back wins over Australia.

Head coach Sean Lynn has rung the changes for this second and final Test in Sydney, making seven adjustments to the side that recorded a statement 21-12 victory in Brisbane last weekend. While the changes reflect a desire to rotate and give all players game time, they also come with an expectation — that this squad can go 2-0 and prove Wales’ progress is more than a one-off.

And for Joyce-Butchers, who made her Test debut back in the 2017 Six Nations, the moment carries extra meaning. Eight years, three Olympic appearances, and dozens of bruising Tests later, she’ll hit the milestone half-century in red — still lightning-quick and still smiling.

“For us to beat a team ranked sixth in the world is fantastic,” she said this week. “That win in Brisbane was one of the best feelings I’ve had in a Welsh shirt for a long time.”

Seven changes, same ambition: Lynn looks to build on Brisbane breakthrough

Joyce-Butchers praises Wales debutant Seren Lockwood as they meet again

While the momentum is firmly with Wales following that historic win — their first over the Wallaroos on Australian soil — Lynn is determined to maintain the bigger picture. With the World Cup opener against Scotland now less than a month away, the clash in Sydney is about sharpening combinations, managing workloads, and testing depth.

“The squad were told before we came out that every player will get game time here in Australia,” said Lynn. “That is why we have made seven changes to the starting line-up. The players selected have been told to be brave, to build on what we achieved in Brisbane, and to stake a claim for World Cup places.”

Up front, there’s a new look to the front row with Gwenllian Pyrs and Carys Phillips starting either side of the returning Sisilia Tuipulotu, who is back to full fitness and making her first start since September. Abbie Fleming also comes into the second row to partner Gwen Crabb, with Kate Williams and Bethan Lewis completing the back five alongside co-captain Alex Callender.

Behind the scrum, there’s an intriguing selection at fly-half, where Kayleigh Powell takes the No.10 jersey from Lleucu George, with Keira Bevan returning to the starting side at scrum-half. Courtney Keight and Carys Cox form a new midfield pairing, while the back three of Lisa Neumann, Nel Metcalfe and the aforementioned Joyce-Butchers remains untouched — and after Metcalfe’s two-try, Player of the Match performance in Brisbane, that’s hardly surprising.

A different animal: Wales out to avoid repeat of last year’s misstep

Wales have reason to be cautious despite the good vibes. After beating Australia last September at Rodney Parade, they failed to back it up a week later with a loss to South Africa at WXV2. Joyce-Butchers hasn’t forgotten.

“That win against Australia is in the back of our minds. We won that one, but couldn’t repeat it in South Africa,” she admitted. “But I do think we’re a different team now — a different animal. We’ve only got positive vibes and positive energy heading into this second Test in Sydney.”

It’s an encouraging statement — and one that reflects the growing confidence in this squad under Lynn. The environment, players say, has shifted. There’s trust, consistency, and a clear direction.

“Lynny’s created a great space for us — win or lose, the processes stay the same. That builds confidence,” said Joyce-Butchers. “We’re relaxed, we’re enjoying being here, and we’re playing with freedom.”

That freedom was on full display in the opening Test. Wales were composed under pressure, disciplined in defence, and took their chances when they came. If they can replicate that performance with a rotated squad, it’ll speak volumes ahead of what’s shaping up to be a tough Pool B campaign at the World Cup — with matches against Scotland, Canada and Fiji all to come.

Wallaroos shuffle the pack in search of redemption

Australia, for their part, have made six changes to their line-up as head coach Jo Yapp searches for a response from a side left reeling after the loss in Brisbane. Star wing Maya Stewart returns from a knee injury and will be a key threat out wide, while there’s a fresh half-back pairing in Samantha Wood and Faitala Moleka.

Up front, the Wallaroos have recalled flanker Piper Duck, lock Michaela Leonard and prop Faliki Pohiva to bolster the pack. Captain Emily Chancellor will again lead the side from the back row as they look to level the series in front of a home crowd in Sydney.

Yapp’s side weren’t far off the pace last weekend, but they struggled to impose themselves physically and made too many errors in key moments. With the World Cup fast approaching for them too, this is as much about pride as preparation.

Final test before Manchester

For Lynn and his team, Sydney marks the final chapter of a long pre-season journey. From fitness camps to tactical tune-ups, everything has been building toward that World Cup opener against Scotland on 23 August in Manchester.

It’s a fixture that already has extra weight — a Six Nations rivalry played out on the global stage. But before that, there’s unfinished business here in Australia.

Wales may have already won the series, but for players like Powell, Fleming, Cox and Scoble — who all get a chance to shine this weekend — this is more than a warm-up. It’s a window to the World Cup. Lynn is expected to name his final squad shortly after returning home.

There’s a sense now that Wales are no longer just hopeful participants in major tournaments — they’re growing into contenders. And while nothing is guaranteed in rugby, a second win over the Wallaroos in as many weeks would be a powerful signal to the rest of the world.