Lynn given welcome headache by Wales' young talent

Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Seren Lockwood made one start and four appearances off the bench in the Six Nations Given that Wales had just beaten a Barbarians side who gave their prop a shot at a conversion after she had celebrated a try with a glitterball helmet, head coach Sean Lynn was wise to urge against getting carried away. There was a Welsh double in the uncapped fixtures against the Baa-Baas at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham on Saturday. After the men warmed up for the Nations Championship with a 33-31 victory, the women triumphed 34-17 for only the second success of the Lynn era. Amy Williams (2), fly-half Kayleigh Powell, scrum-half Seren Lockwood, centre Courtney Keight and lock Jorja Aiono scored tries in a performance that gave encouragement after the misery of the World Cup and Six Nations. "We know that we've got a lot to work on but that win is going to build momentum for us," said Lynn, whose only victory in 15 Tests was in Australia before last year's World Cup. "Let's not get carried away with it, it was amazing we got a win but we still have to work hard after enjoying it." Wales set to reduce squad for Nations Championship Published12 hours agoNorth star shines bright right to the end Published21 hours agoWales' next generation getting a taste of Test life Published7 days agoChanging of the guard?The Barbarians fixture was a perfect opportunity for Lynn to shake things up. With a sizeable contingent rested or unavailable after Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) commitments, the management team looked to the future. Five uncapped players featured - Williams, Kelsie Webster, Stella Orrin, Lucy Isaac and Lily Hawkins. Player of the match Bryonie King, Lockwood, Aiono, centre Jenna de Vera and prop Maisie Davies gave more evidence of their promise. "This has given exposure to individuals coming into the camp," said Lynn. "You can't just put them into Test match rugby, this was the perfect opportunity for us to play the next generation." Wales return for pre-season on 3 August as they build towards the WXV Global Series, where they host South Africa and USA in September before October Tests in Japan. Some experienced players will be sweating on their places, or at least looking over their shoulder, after failing to fire in just over a year of working under Lynn. "There is a buzz and we have needed that," said influential back-row forward Alex Callender after her successful return from injury. "We have lacked strength in depth in certain positions over the last couple of years. It's credit to the pathway that these girls are developing and can step up to the international scene and be physically and mentally ready." Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Amy Williams made her first international appearance for Wales at Twickenham George North showed his finishing power on the right wing when saying farewell in the men's game at the age of 34. On the other flank of the same southern end of Twickenham, 19-year-old Williams provided a glimpse of her explosiveness with an equally eye-catching moment with the final play of the first half. The Brython Thunder wing scored her second try of her first international outing when powering through Alex Tissier, the Baa-Baas centre who captained Canada in the World Cup final at Twickenham. Williams impressed with her pace and energy throughout in a game when she lined up against superstar New Zealander Ruby Tui. "Amy looked threatening with ball in hand. She is like a sponge, she just wants to learn and take everything on board," said Lynn. "What I love about Amy is that she just said before the game 'I am just going to concentrate on being me, Lynny'. That's what she did and she has a bright future." Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Bryonie King featured at the 2025 World Cup with Wales Wales fielded a young side at Twickenham but there was also a healthy amount of experience in the shape of fit-again captain Callender, Alisha Joyce, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Keight and player of the match King. The number eight got the side on the front foot to earn the plaudits of former Wales captain Siwan Lillicrap. "We've seen the amount of line breaks and metres she's made but her defensive work impresses as well," said Lillicrap, who was a number eight herself, on S4C. "She's only 22 and could be world class, which she is on her way to being." High praise indeed, and the performance was in front of British and Irish Lions head coach Jo Yapp. King was quick to point to the influence of two experienced back-row forwards alongside her in the starting line-up. "To have Alex and Alisha by your side allows you to be yourself and play your game," she said. The back row is an area of strength for Wales, who were without Six Nations captains Kate Williams and Bethan Lewis, but concerns remain about the pivotal position of fly-half. Playmaker Powell showed some promising signs after being shif

Lynn given welcome headache by Wales' young talent

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