The Dragons and Scarlets will be out to protect their unbeaten starts in the second round of the WRU Senior Women’s Regional competition on Wednesday.
In its first season, the competition was created as a stepping stone from club rugby to international Under 20s and senior rugby. Each of the four regions has a sprinkling of senior international players with the rest of the teams made up of club and age grade players.
In last week’s opening clashes, the Dragons beat Cardiff Blues 16-13 with the last move of the game while in another close encounter, the Scarlets beat the Ospreys 14-10.
Blues second row Gemma Hallett, in a pack where hooker Rachel Cork and Vicki Gaylard impressed, said the last gasp defeat will make her side more determined this week to record their first victory against the Scarlets at Carmarthen Athletic.
“It was really disappointing to lose in the last minute, particularly as our defence had been so good for most of the game. It was a really good game – end to end stuff. We went into the game slight underdogs but pushed them all the way.
“We are determined to get back to winning ways but the Scarlets are a good team and it’s going to be tough.”
Scarlets key play maker Naomi Thomas is expecting the Blues to come at them with all guns blazing.
“It should be a good game, they only just lost to the Dragons so will be out to get their first win,” she said.
The Dragons travel to Waunarlwydd where they will tackle a young Ospreys side who gave the Scarlets a good run for their money last week.
Flanker Lisa Newton and second row Shona Powell-Hughes will be looking to build on their impressive performances as Wales coach Jason Lewis has still to confirm his World cup squad and has made it clear there are still positions up for grabs.