Wales make four changes for clash against New Zealand

Wales have made four changes to the starting line up for the second game of the Rugby World Cup against New Zealand.

Siwan Lillicrap returns to second row to captain the side and replaces Georgia Evans, who is recovering from a shoulder injury sustained during the game against Scotland.

Bethan Lewis comes into the back row for Alisha Butchers, who is ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury and is joined by Gwen Crabb in the back row that also has Sioned Harries.

Natalia John retains her second row position with the final change coming in the front row as Kelsey Jones replaces Carys Phillips as the preferred hooker.

The bench also sees a return for Kerin Lake, who makes a comeback after recovering from a long-term injury.

Wales have never managed to beat New Zealand in the four games previously as head coach Ioan Cunningham is hoping for his side to create history after a tight win over Scotland.

"We're playing New Zealand in their home World Cup, we're both on the back of wins, so it's all about this game now," he said.

"We have nothing to lose but you have to be brave against any New Zealand team, you have to go for it, score tries, we can't hold back.

"Australia showed you can create opportunities and we need to do that too."

Wales: Kayleigh Powell; Jasmine Joyce, Megan Webb, Hannah Jones, Lisa Neumann; Elinor Snowsill, Ffion Lewis; Cara Hope, Kelsey Jones, Donna Rose, Natalia John, Siwan Lillicrap (capt), Gwen Crabb, Bethan Lewis, Sioned Harries.

Reserves: Kat Evans, Caryl Thomas, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Abbie Fleming, Alex Callender, Keira Bevan, Robyn Wilkins, Kerin Lake.

New Zealand: Ruby Tui; Renee Wickliffe, Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt, Theresa Fitzpatrick, Portia Woodman; Ruahei Demant (capt) Ariana Bayler; Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Georgia Ponsonby, Tanya Kalounivale, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Chelsea Bremner, Alana Bremner, Kendra Reynolds, Charmaine McMenamin.

Reserves: Luka Connor, Krystal Murray, Santo Taumata, Joanah Ngan-Woo, Sarah Hirini, Kendra Cocksedge, Amy du Plessis, Hazel Tubic.