Wales recall George and Cox as Evans is selected for 50th cap

Wales have brought Lleucu George and Carys Cox back into their starting backline for the WXV Global Series Test against the USA, with Georgia Evans selected to earn her 50th cap. BBC Sport Wales reported that head coach Sean Lynn has made two changes to the starting side that beat South Africa 50-19 last Friday.

George returns at fly-half, allowing Keira Bevan to move back to scrum-half after playing at number 10. Seren Lockwood is unavailable because of a head injury. Lynn praised Bevan's performance in the unfamiliar position while telling the BBC that George had shown renewed energy in training before being restored to the starting line-up.

Cox takes Seren Singleton's place on the wing after recovering from knee surgery during the summer. Both Cox and George will be making their first starts of the new WXV Global Series. Explaining Cox's recall, Lynn highlighted her athleticism, desire to carry the ball and ability to challenge defenders, as well as the work she does when not in possession.

The changes are confined to the backline, with Alex Callender and Kate Williams retaining their roles as co-captains at Cardiff Arms Park. Evans keeps her place in the pack for the milestone appearance. Lynn praised her resilience following the criticism she faced during the World Cup and described her as an inspiration to young girls, according to BBC Sport Wales.

There are also three additions to the replacements: Molly Reardon, Sian Jones and Nikita Prothero. They join Pyrs, E Jones, Crabb, Aiono and De Vera on the bench. The starting selection otherwise preserves the side from the South Africa victory, with George's return at fly-half and Cox's inclusion on the wing accounting for the two personnel changes announced by Lynn.

The Test is scheduled for Saturday, 26 September, at 15:00 BST. Wales' win over South Africa followed a victory against the Barbarians in June. The USA, ranked sixth in the world in the BBC report, arrive after a comeback win over Ireland. Lynn pointed to their set-piece strength when discussing the opposition, noting the work of former Wales and Ospreys coach Jonathan Humphreys with their forwards.