Ireland make 10 changes for Canada warm-up ahead of Women’s Rugby World Cup
Ireland name a largely new side for Saturday’s final World Cup warm-up match against Canada in Belfast, making 10 changes from the Scotland victory.
Women’s Rugby World Cup warm-up: Ireland vs Canada
Venue: Affidea Stadium, Belfast Date: Saturday, 9 August Kick-off: 12:00 BST
Coverage: Live on INLIBER iPlayer, INLIBER Two NI & INLIBER Sport app and website
Team selection
Ireland have made 10 changes for their final warm-up match against Canada, retaining only wing Beibhinn Parsons, fly-half Dannagh O’Brien and the back row trio of Grace Moore, Ivana Kiripati and Brittany Hogan from last week’s win over Scotland. Hooker Neve Jones will captain the side in Belfast, with Sam Monaghan as co-captain off the bench. Prop Ellena Perry could earn her first cap among the replacements.
Head coach Scott Bemand said: "This match is crucial in our build-up to the World Cup. Canada will test us and we’ll need a stronger start than last week. Our World Cup squad will be confirmed early next week, so there is plenty at stake."
Match preview
Canada, winners of last year’s WXV fixture between the teams, will provide a stern examination. Ireland’s front row will feature Niamh O’Dowd and Linda Djougang alongside Jones, with Fiona Tuite and Ruth Campbell in the second row. The back row remains Moore, Kiripati and Hogan.
At half-back, O’Brien pairs with newcomer Aoibheann Reilly, while the midfield brings Enya Breen and Aoife Dalton into the starting XV. Stacey Flood starts at full-back, flanked by wings Parsons and Anna McGann.
Bench and competition
The bench combines six forwards—Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald, Perry, Sadhbh McGrath, Eimear Corri-Fallon, Monaghan and Claire Boles—with backs Emily Lane and Eve Higgins. At the World Cup in England, Ireland will face New Zealand, Japan and Spain in Pool C.
Ireland have overhauled their line-up, with only five starters retained, as they seek a strong finish to their World Cup preparations against a powerful Canadian side.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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