NEWPORT’S Cerys Hale has been recalled by Wales to face Ireland in the Six Nations while Bassaleg School teacher Robyn Wilkins will win her 50th cap.

Head coach Warren Abrahams has made four changes to the side that was drubbed 53-0 by France on opening weekend for the clash at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday (kick-off 5pm).

Hale comes into the front row along with fellow prop Cara Hope while Natalia John gets the nod at lock.

There is an enforced change on the wing with Courtney Keight replacing speedster Jasmine Joyce, who is away with GB Sevens in the preparations for the Olympics.

Science teacher Wilkins retains her place at full-back to bring up a half-century. The 26-year-old from Bridgend made her Test debut as an 18-year-old against Italy in 2014 and has been an ever-present in the squad since.

She said: “I looked at Megan Davies winning her first cap at 19 last weekend and it literally seems like yesterday that I was in a similar position.

“With the pandemic causing postponements and cancellations in the past 12 months, this milestone means more having waited for it.

“I worked hard during lockdown and feel I’m in the best shape of my life. Warren has asked me to play full-back at the moment and to be honest, whether I’m at 10, 12 or 15 I’m happy to do whatever is best for the team. I’m quite enjoying the new challenge.”

Wales aim to bounce back against the Irish in the capital in a bid to finish second in Pool B of the one-off, shortened tournament.

They endured a torrid opener in Vannes and Abrahams wants his side to channel the frustration of the eight-try defeat.

He said: “We are all proud and privileged to represent the Wales jersey. Last weekend’s loss hurts us all, but that pain is important if we want to improve and be competitive against the best sides in the world.

“It was a great benchmark and it is up to every member of the Wales Women programme now to take responsibility. Those who take it will stay on the bus and we will keep driving towards that vision.

“We’re going to focus on what we can control, keep believing in process and the people around us. We believe we have the best team to represent the squad this weekend.

“It’s a chance for some players to start the game and we have youngsters Niamh and Caitlin on the bench too. We are enthused by the performance of the new caps last weekend.”

Wales: Robyn Wilkins (Gloucester-Hartpury); Lisa Neumann (Sale Sharks), Hannah Jones (vice-captain, Gloucester-Hartpury), Kerin Lake (Gloucester-Hartpury), Courtney Keight (Bristol Bears); Elinor Snowsill (Bristol Bears), Jess Roberts (Sale Sharks); Cara Hope (Gloucester-Hartpury), Kelsey Jones (Gloucester-Hartpury), Cerys Hale (Gloucester-Hartpury), Natalia John (Bristol Bears), Gwen Crabb (Gloucester-Hartpury), Georgia Evans (Saracens), Manon Johnes (Bristol Bears), Siwan Lillicrap (captain, Bristol Bears).

Replacements: Molly Kelly (Sale Sharks), Caryl Thomas (Worcester Warriors), Donna Rose (Saracens), Teleri Wyn Davies (Sale Sharks), Bethan Dainton (Harlequins), Megan Davies (Exeter Chiefs), Niamh Terry (Exeter Chiefs), Caitlin Lewis (Cardiff Met).