Ireland aim fifth place finish as they lock horns with Australia

Ireland head coach Tom Tierney has made a total of three changes to the line-up for the Women's World Cup clash against Australia in Belfast in a bid to secure the fifth place.

Cliodhna Moloney, who scored the only try in the game against France that they lost 21-5 replaces Leah Lyons while Louise Galvin and Ciara Cooney make it to the XV in the place of Eimear Considine and Sophie Spence respectively.

The last time these two teams met was during the opening round of the tournament when Ireland edged out Australia with 19-17 triumph and Tierney is expecting another close encounter on Tuesday.

"We know what the Australians will bring to the game tomorrow, and we will have to be ready to match their physicality from the start," said boss Tierney.

"We've reviewed our own games and looked at areas where we can improve in both attack and defence.

"There is huge pride in this team and we're looking to finish this tournament with two performances."

Ireland women's team to play Australia in Belfast on Tuesday: H Tyrrell (Leinster), L Galvin (Munster), J Murphy (Leinster), S Naoupu (Harlequins), A Miller (Connacht), N Stapleton (Leinster), N Cronin (Munster), L Peat, C Moloney, A Egan, C Cooney, M Reilly (all Leinster), C Griffin (Munster), C Molloy (Bristol, capt), P Fitzpatrick (Leinster).

Replacements: L Lyons (Munster), I Van Standen (Ulster), C O'Connor (Connacht), S Spence (Leinster), A Caplice (Munster), L Muldoon (Ulster), K Fitzhenry (Leinster), C McLaughlin (Ulster).