WALES Women have changed their locks for their Six Nations clash with Italy in Lecce on Saturday (kick-off 7pm).

Head coach Rowland Phillips makes just two changes to the side that was overpowered 52-3 by champions France in Montpellier.

Ospreys forwards Natalia John and Gwen Crabb are paired in the second row with Siwan Lillicrap moving to number eight and Beth Lewis slotting in at blindside.

"It was important to continue with this team's development," said Phillips. "While last weekend's match against France was very difficult all-round, we have confidence in the abilities of these players to bounce back and show what they can do.

"Natalia impressed when she came on against France and Gwen is a natural line-out leader. We have reshuffled the back row with Siwan and Beth moving to their more familiar positions of number eight and flanker.

"Alisha Butchers is an excellent player and I'm sure she will make a big impact when she takes the field, as will the other replacements as they did last weekend."

Italy started their campaign with a superb four-try, 28-7 win in Glasgow.

"Physicality will be key against Italy. They are benefitting from the momentum of an autumn series and showed how much they've progressed in their impressive win over Scotland," said Phillips.

"It would be wrong to underestimate Italy - they have some excellent players and have developed into a very competitive side with a strong pack and backs who can play wide too.

"It's important we keep our energy levels high to meet the challenge of two consecutive away games in a week."

Wales Women: Lauren Smyth (Ospreys); Jasmine Joyce (Scarlets), Hannah Jones (Scarlets), Alicia McComish (Dragons), Lisa Neumann (RGC); Robyn Wilkins (Blues), Keira Bevan (Ospreys); Caryl Thomas (Dragons), Carys Phillips (captain, Ospreys), Amy Evans (Ospreys), Natalia John (Ospreys), Gwen Crabb (Ospreys), Bethan Lewis (Dragons), Manon Johnes (Blues), Siwan Lillicrap (Ospreys). Reps: Kelsey Jones (Ospreys), Cara Hope (Ospreys), Cerys Hale (Dragons), Alisha Butchers (Scarlets), Alex Callender (Scarlets), Ffion Lewis (Scarlets), Elinor Snowsill (Bristol), Jess Kavanagh (RGC)