Ireland Women’s Rugby Head Coach, Adam Griggs, has made two changes to the starting XV ahead of Sunday’s Six Nations clash with England at Castle Park, Doncaster - kick-off 12.45pm.
Aoife Doyle is named on the left wing in place of 18-year old Beibhinn Parsons. The Ballinasloe teenager has scored tries in both of Ireland wins, but is unavailable for the remainder of the Six Nations Championship after opting to step back from selection to focus on her studies for the Leaving Cert.
Michelle Claffey makes way at inside-centre for Blackrock College club-mate Katie Fitzhenry. Fitzhenry last featured for the 15s side in March 2018 against England. She has been heavily involved in the Sevens circuit of late and the Wexford native will partner Sene Naoupu in the heart of the Irish midfield.
Both sides have won their opening two games and pacesetters England edge the Girls in Green on points difference.
"England are defending champions and are unbeaten so it's going to be a real challenge," said Grigg.
He added: "We are really looking forward to travelling over to Doncaster for this match.
"We have had a solid start to the tournament with two wins and are happy with the step up in our performance from week to week so far.
"We intend to focus on what we can control within our own game and believe if we get our systems right that we should be able to really put them under pressure.
"We have no intention of giving them anything easy and are relishing the opportunity to test ourselves against one of the best in the world."
Unsurprisingly after an unbeaten start to the Six Nations tournament, Ireland have kept the changes to a minimum. Eimear Considine and Laura Delany join Aoife Doyle in the back-three, while Claire Keohane and Kathryn Dane makeup the half-back combination. Kerry’s Ciara Griffin once more captains the side at flanker.
Ireland Squad:
Considine; Delany, Naoupu, Fitzhenry, Doyle, Keohane, Dane, Peat, Moloney, Djougang, McDermott, Bobbett, Griffin (capt), McMahon, Caplice.
Replacements: Dabanovich, Feely, Lyons, Cooney, Wall, Cronin, Muldoon, Tyrrell.
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