by Jordan A Jones
USW Women’s Rugby coach Mark Hutton will experiment with team selection today ahead of their Cardiff Metropolitan 2nd clash in the Western 1A.
USW will make the short trip to Cyncoed Campus today to face second-placed Cardiff Metropolitan, in their first game of the New Year.
Preparations for the game have been buoyed by a good turnout at the final training session on Monday ahead of the fixture.
Outside half Jasmine Hare is set to move into an unfamiliar role from scrum-half to outside half. Natasha Francis is also in line to make her debut for the University as a tight-head prop.
Hutton said: “With the exception of a hand full of players not available for tomorrow, this is a strong squad.
The coaches are taking the opportunity in this first game of 2019 to just try one or two individuals out in a different position.”
In the University of South Wales’ last outing they recorded a convincing 72-15 victory over King’s College London in the BUCS Rugby Union Trophy.
They will entertain Oxford Brookes University in two weeks time.
“It was rewarding for the players’ efforts and commitment to training,” said Hutton.
“I believe what a winning Cup run gives you is the continued interest and hard work ethic when maybe the league results are not going so well.
“That game against Kings we travelled away with a full squad of players and match days you need a full squad available to you.
“The bench has such a role to play during the game but if that’s not available to you it’s going be tough.”
Won the Western 2A and the Conference Cup, Hutton’s side have found life in a higher division difficult.
A number of players have moved on following the success of last season, with a few graduating.
Player unavailability has affected Hutton’s team selection. Earlier in the campaign, USW were forced to concede defeat to league leaders Cardiff University after being unable to field a team.
“This new league is an opportunity to learn in a tougher environment, The challenge this year has been having to work with a smaller squad due to players withdrawing, injuries and availability to match days.”
USW are currently bottom of the division with Bath and Gloucestershire ahead of them but could come out of the relegation zone with a win against the Archers tomorrow.
“There are for sure one or two strong teams in this league but we feel we are in the mix with the others.”
(Featured Image: Owen Nelson)
