Wales make five changes as Lewis earns start and Bell misses out injured

Wales head coach Sean Lynn has announced five changes to his starting side following the 17-0 win over Japan in Tokyo, promoting several players who contributed from the bench. BBC Sport reported that Bethan Lewis, Gwen Crabb and Gwenllian Pyrs have all been brought into the starting pack, with changes also made at fly-half and centre.

Lewis will start for the first time in this WXV campaign after her contribution as a replacement in the opening Japan Test. Her inclusion at flanker means co-captain Alex Callender moves to number eight. Crabb and Pyrs have also been rewarded with starts after coming off the bench in the victory, as Lynn acknowledged the contribution made by the players who finished that match.

Lleucu George has been selected at fly-half ahead of Keira Bevan and will form the half-back partnership with Seren Lockwood. Lockwood scored two tries in last weekend's win. Bevan is among the replacements in the newly announced squad, with Lynn again selecting six forwards and two backs on the bench.

Courtney Keight replaces Freya Bell at centre after Bell suffered a serious knee injury during the opening Test. The BBC reported that Bell appeared set for an extended absence, without giving a confirmed return date. Lynn expressed disappointment over the injury and said Bell would receive care, while voicing hope that she could return soon.

Explaining his decisions, Lynn said the changes rewarded the players who helped complete the victory in Tokyo. He emphasised a team-first approach and said competition for selection helped raise standards. He also praised the players' ability to solve problems during the first Test, while calling for greater accuracy and a more consistent performance across the full 80 minutes.

The announcement follows a result that moved Wales above Japan to 11th in the world rankings. Wales have beaten Japan and South Africa during the WXV campaign and suffered a narrow defeat against the United States. Their second Test against Japan, the final match of their campaign, is scheduled for Saturday, 31 October at Kumagaya Rugby Stadium, with kick-off at 07:00 GMT.