By Graeme Gillespie
Wales wing Jasmine Joyce is ready to soar as she prepares for her first full senior cap.
Joyce, a star of last summer’s Rio Olympics in sevens rugby, starts against Scotland in the Women’s Six Nations on Friday night and is looking to continue the form that elevated her to the world stage.
On a global platform last August, Joyce’s impressive speed and spellbinding acceleration saw her leave a trail of defenders in her wake as she shone on the Olympic stage.
After overcoming a thumb injury, the 21-year-old’s next challenge is to make the transition to 15-a-side rugby. That task begins at Broadwood Stadium as Rowland Phillips’ side look to get back to winning ways after being beaten 63-0 by England in Cardiff last time out.
“It’s an absolute privilege. I haven’t quite yet got my 15-a-side cap, but I’ve been wanting to get it for three or four years now,” said Joyce, her smile going from ear to ear. I’m finally getting the opportunity to go out there and perform.”
With Joyce one of their star players, Team GB lost the Bronze Medal Match to Canada in Rio, but that failed to stop the St Davids product from attracting the headlines.
So, what of the challenge of facing Scotland?
Wales have won one and lost one of their two Six Nations games to date – beating Italy away from home in the first round – and know they need to win all three of their remaining games to have any chance of challenging for the title.
England are firm favourites to secure the championship, but Joyce isn’t looking past this weekend.
She said: “Scotland are a very good side and they’re up and coming. We played them in the autumn internationals and we know what they’re all about.
“They do have some very good players, but we just have to focus on ourselves and go out there and play to the best of our ability. I don’t think we should go into any game expecting to win. It’s a great opportunity to bounce back from the England loss and hopefully we can come away with the win.
“The artificial surface will be good for us because we have a lot of pace in the backs. Hopefully we can use that to our advantage. I just want to focus on Scotland and I hope I have a good match.”
Wales will be keen to spread the ball to Joyce – who scored two tries against Spain earlier this year in an uncapped game – as much as possible. Scrum half Rhiannon Parker joins her as the two debutants for the game on the outskirts of Glasgow.
Scotland are sure to provide a tough test, but Wales have had an edge to training this week and have travelled north with a point to prove.
“I’m always phased going out to play whether I have four people watching me or a massive crowd – I still get just as nervous as anyone would,” Joyce added.
“In sevens I have a lot of space to exploit and I can use my pace. Fifteen-a-side rugby is a different game, but I don’t think there’s too much difficulty in adapting.”