Aoife Wafer and Sam Monaghan in contention to face New Zealand

Ireland's back row players Aoife Wafer and co-captain Sam Monaghan are contenders for the Pool C decider against New Zealand on Sunday.

Wafer, who underwent knee surgery in July, missed Ireland's victories over Japan and Spain, while Monaghan was substituted as a precaution during the Spain match.

Irish scrum coach Denis Fogarty said any fit player could be selected: "If people are fit and ready to play, we want to get them on the park." He added that the team remains fully focused on securing a win in Brighton to build momentum for the quarter-finals.

Wafer "bursting to go"

Having been named player of the tournament in this year's Six Nations, 22-year-old Wafer rejoined the squad after initial rehab in Dublin and has been training in controlled contact drills. Fogarty confirmed she will integrate into full team sessions this week and is expected to be available for selection.

"She's eager to play — if the match were tomorrow, she'd want to be on the pitch," Fogarty said. "We're confident she'll make an impact when she gets on."

The return of key players like Aoife Wafer and Sam Monaghan could provide Ireland with the boost they need to challenge reigning champions New Zealand.

This topic was reported by BBC Sport.

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