FIVE Dragons have been named in Wales’ side for their Women’s World Cup opener against New Zealand in Dublin.

Fly-half Elinor Snowsill and centre Gemma Rowland get the nod in the backs for the clash at Billings Park (kick-off 2.45pm) while lock Rebecca Rowe starts up front. Props Cerys Hale and Megan York are among the replacements along with scrum-half Sian Moore.

Hooker Carys Phillips skippers the side against the Black Ferns – the number two side in the world – and leads a team confident of turning heads.

Head coach Rowland Phillips said : "We've set out a path to take women's rugby in Wales to new heights, and while that goes well beyond New Zealand tomorrow, the Black Ferns are an excellent team to test yourself against.

“They're one of the perennial favourites, and for good reason, but we'll be aiming to impose our game on them with the mindset of an 80-minute performance."

Centre Rebecca De Filippo has been ruled out for the tournament following a foot injury suffered in training. She will be replaced by 18-year-old India Berbillion.

"Rebecca was always going to be a strong contender for a starting berth in the team, making her withdrawal very disappointing for all concerned," commented Phillips.

"That said, it's testament to her character that she has remained upbeat despite the setback and has continued to be a positive influence within the camp."

Wales squad to face New Zealand:
 
15 Dyddgu Hywel (Scarlets)
14 Elen Evans (RGC)
13 Gemma Rowland (Dragons)
12 Hannah Jones (Scarlets)
11 Jasmine Joyce (Scarlets)
10 Elinor Snowsill (Dragons)
9 Keira Bevan (Ospreys)
1 Caryl Thomas (Scarlets)
2 Carys Phillips (c) (Ospreys)
3 Amy Evans (Ospreys)
4 Rebecca Rowe (Dragons)
5 Mel Clay (Ospreys)
6 Alisha Butchers (Scarlets)
7 Rachel Taylor (RGC)
8 Sioned Harries (Scarlets)
 
Replacements
 
16 Kelsey Jones (Ospreys)
17 Cerys Hale (Dragons)
18 Meg York (Dragons)
19 Siwan Lillicrap (Ospreys)
20 Lleucu George (Scarlets)
21 Sian Moore (Dragons)
22 Robyn Wilkins (Ospreys)
23 Jodie Evans (Scarlets)