Ireland Women’s Side Named For England Test
21st November 2018 By The Editor
Munster's Eimear Considine retains her place on the right wing.
Ireland Women’s Head Coach Adam Griggs has named his side to take on England this Saturday in Twickenham at 5.40pm.
A total of four Munster players have been selected across the match-day 23, with UL Bohs’ Laura Sheehan and Eimear Considine retaining their places on the wings, Nicole Cronin taking her position at scrum-half, while Fiona Reidy is among the replacements.
Former UL Bohs’ prop Leah Lyons is also named in the front row.
Griggs has made six changes to the side that started Sunday’s 19-10 loss to the USA at Energia Park, with five of the changes coming in the forwards.
There are two changes to the front-row, with Emma Hooban, who won her first cap on Sunday starting and hooker and Lyons starting at tight-head prop. Loose-head Lindsay Peat is set for her 24th cap since her debut against England in November 2015.
Nichola Fryday replaces Ciara Cooney who picked up a shoulder injury on Sunday, and she packs down alongside Aoife McDermott in the second-row.
There are two changes are in the back-row, where Jeamie Deacon and the uncapped Juliet Short come into the side alongside Claire Molloy.
There is one change in the backs, with Cronin starting at scrum-half alongside Number 10 Nikki Caughey.
Michelle Claffey will again partner Sene Naoupu in the centre. Naoupu will captain the side in the absence of Ciara Griffin who is ruled out with a shoulder complaint.
Last weekend’s try scorers, Sheehan and Considine take their place on the wings, with Lauren Delany at full-back.
There is one new cap amongst the replacements, with the Ellen Murphy coming into the 23.
On confirmation of the squad, Griggs said: “Although we finished strong on Sunday against the USA, overall we were disappointed with aspects of the game and the end result.
“We have reviewed the footage and are aware of the areas we need to improve as we have a big test this Saturday in Twickenham.
“England have shown over the last number of seasons that they are one of the top sides in the world, and it’s set to be a big occasion taking to the field after their Men’s side face Australia.
“We will be focusing on our own game and are looking to put in a strong performance to finish these November tests on a positive.”
IRELAND WOMEN’S Team & Replacements (v England Women, 2018 November International, Twickenham Stadium, London, Saturday, November 24th, kick-off 5.40pm):
15. Lauren Delany (Firwood Waterloo Ladies/IQ Rugby)
14. Eimear Considine (UL Bohemian/Munster)
13. Sene Naoupu (Old Belvedere/Leinster) Captain
12. Michelle Claffey (Blackrock College/Leinster)
11. Laura Sheehan (UL Bohemian/Munster)
10. Nikki Caughey (Railway Union/Leinster)
9. Nicole Cronin (UL Bohemian/Munster)
1. Lindsay Peat (Railway Union/Leinster)
2. Emma Hooban (St.Mary’s College/Leinster)
3. Leah Lyons (Harlequins)
4. Aoife McDermott (Railway Union/Leinster)
5. Nichola Fryday (Galwegians/Connacht)
6. Jeamie Deacon (Blackrock College/Leinster)
7. Claire Molloy (Wasps)
8. Juliet Short (Railway Union/Leinster)*
Replacements
16. Sarah Mimnagh (Richmond/IQ Rugby)
17. Laura Feely (Galwegians/Connacht)
18. Fiona Reidy (UL Bohemian/Munster)
19. Claire McLaughlin (Old Belvedere/Ulster)
20. Edel McMahon (Galwegians/Connacht)
21. Ailsa Hughes (Railway Union/Leinster)
22. Ellen Murphy (Old Belvedere/Leinster)*
23. Beibhinn Parsons (Ballinasloe/Connacht)
*Denotes uncapped
IRELAND WOMEN’S November Tests
IRELAND Women 10 – 19 USA Women
18th November 2018
Energia Park, Dublin
IRELAND Women v England Women
24th November 2018
Kick-Off: 5.40pm
Twickenham Stadium, London
Tickets: www.eticketing.co.uk/rfu
Live: Sky Sports Action