Wales make four changes to face Samoa at World Cup

Wales coach Tom Brindle has altered his line‑up ahead of the second group match of the Rugby League World Cup, scheduled for Friday at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium (07:45 BST). The side, playing their inaugural World Cup, suffered a 70‑6 defeat to England in their opening game in Perth.

Sian Williams will earn her first cap on the wing as Wales take on a Samoan team that was shut out 40‑0 by hosts Australia in their debut. Zoe Heeley shifts from centre to the opposite wing, while Army rugby union captain Jade Mullen makes her tournament debut. Amberley Ruck steps in at stand‑off for Ffion Lewis, and Huddersfield Giants prop Gracie Hobbs joins the 17‑man squad.

Brindle and his staff view the clash with Samoa as Wales’ best opportunity to secure a result before they meet defending champions Australia in Sydney on Sunday.

The squad named to face Samoa includes: Leanne Burnell, Zoe Heeley, Jade Mullen, Hannah Bluck, Sian Williams, Amberley Ruck, Tayla Preston, Agnes Wood, Jasmine Gibbons, Emily Hughes, Georgia Cussons, Paige Travis and captain Bethan Dainton. Interchange players are Carys Marsh, Kathryn Salter, Erin Williams and Gracie Hobbs, with Katie Carr listed as the 18th player. Reserves are Ffion Lewis, Lucia Davies and Frances Layton.