Women's Six Nations 2024: Wales love being underdogs against England - Joyce
- Published
Jasmine Joyce has won 36 caps for Wales
Women's Six Nations: England v Wales |
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Venue: Ashton Gate, Bristol Date: Saturday, 30 March Kick-off:16:45 GMT |
Coverage: Watch live on BBC Two Wales, BBC iPlayer and online from 16:30 GMT; listen on BBC Radio Wales & Radio Cymru; text commentary, highlights and report on BBC Sport website and app. |
Jasmine Joyce says Wales relish the underdog tag whenever they come up against England.
The two sides meet on Saturday in round two of the Women's Six Nations.
Wales have not tasted victory against the Red Roses since 2015, and have conceded 50 points or more in their last seven meetings.
"We love being underdogs. It makes you braver, you've got nothing to lose going out and playing England," Joyce said.
"I really hope as a squad we feel like that going into the game on Saturday - nothing to lose, play with our hearts and try our best."
Wales began their campaign with a disappointing 20-18 loss at home to Scotland, while defending Grand Slam champions England ran out 48-0 winners over Italy in Parma.
Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham has made six starting changes, including a first start for scrum-half Sian Jones.
Joyce says Wales will have to start better than they did against the Scots if they are going to be competitive, while they can take encouragement from their recent first half showings against England.
"England are on top form at the moment, they are one of the best teams in the world, if not the best," Joyce said.
"Coming out of the blocks regardless of who you play is always important to get a foothold in the game.
"It will be really important for us to get hold of the first 30 minutes and then take it moment by moment.
"Our performances in the first half against England are strong so as long as we can put in an 80 minute performance, we'll go for it."
Joyce is one of several Great Britain Sevens players playing in this year's Six Nations, and while they have qualified to play in the Paris Olympics this summer, Joyce says "the focus is definitely on now".
"I'm excited to be back involved in the 15s set up and playing for Wales," said the 36-capped wing/full-back.
If selected, Paris will be Joyce's third Games after Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
"It's absolutely no less exciting, I never thought I would have gone to one, it's pretty surreal," she added.
"I just love being part of whatever rugby team I manage to get into."