WALES Women are looking for a repeat of their exploits at the Dragons’ training base in Ystrad Mynach when they kick off their Six Nations campaign against Ireland on Saturday afternoon.

Rachel Taylor and her side head to the plastic pitch at Donnybrook (kick-off 1pm) on the back of a 15-5 tune-up against the Irish on the 3G surface at Caerphilly County County Borough Centre for Sporting Excellence last month.

That uncapped encounter was the perfect preparation for a crucial Six Nations in which the Welsh women will attempt to secure qualification for the 2017 World Cup.

“It’s important we kick on from the win against Ireland and take confidence from beating a really good team,” said coach Rhys Edwards.

There are a number of intriguing team selections with Adi Taviner moving to full back from her customary centre spot with youngster Robyn Wilkins getting the nod at fly half ahead of the experienced Elinor Snowsill.

In the pack, Sioned Harries is switched to the second from the back row while Shona Powell-Hughes starts from number eight instead of the second row.

“Adi has been a real threat this season for club and region at full back – she was a constant threat against Ireland so she has been given another opportunity to show her class,” said Edwards.

“Robyn also came through well against Ireland and controlled the game and with our intent to play an attack-minded game both should figure prominently on Saturday.

“In the forwards it is a case of maximising our strengths – we’re blessed with the talent we have got in the back row with four exceptional players fighting for three positions so it is a case of managing our best players and getting them on the pitch at the same time.”

Holders Ireland start as favourites on Saturday as they are ranked fourth in the world rankings while Wales, who finished fifth in last year’s tournament, are 10th.

Eight Dragons are involved – wing Bethan Dainton, prop Megan York, lock Rebecca Rowe, back rows Taylor and Sian Williams while prop Cerys Hale, Snowsill and centre Gemma Rowland are among the replacements.

Wales: Adi Taviner, Elen Evans, Kerin Lake, Hannah Jones, Bethan Dainton, Robyn Wilkins, Keira Bevan, Megan York, Carys Phillips, Amy Evans, Rebecca Rowe, Sioned Harries, Rachel Taylor, Sian Williams, Shona Powell-Hughes. Replacements: Amy Price, Catrin Edwards, Cerys Hale, Siwan Lillicrap, Alisha Butchers, Elinor Snowsill, Gemma Rowland, Dyddgu Hywel