Ireland Women make strategic changes ahead of Six Nations clash with England
Ireland's women's rugby team announces three lineup changes for the Six Nations match against England in Cork
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Ireland's women's rugby team have introduced three significant changes to the starting lineup ahead of their Six Nations encounter against England at Musgrave Park in Cork.
The decision follows their emphatic 54-12 triumph over Italy in Parma, which brought renewed momentum to the squad.
Emily Lane is set to start at scrumhalf, taking the place of Aoibheann Reilly, who shifts to the bench. In the forward pack, Brittany Hogan has been named to replace Edel McMahon, who misses out due to injury. Dorothy Wall also returns to the second row, taking over from Ruth Campbell and lining up alongside Fiona Tuite.
The rest of the backline remains steady, with Stacey Flood maintaining her position at fullback. Anna McGann holds her spot on the left wing, while captain Amee-Leigh Costigan continues on the right. Aoife Dalton and Eve Higgins are set to form the midfield pairing once again, and Dannah O’Brien stays at out-half following her strong performance in Italy.
In the front row, Niamh O’Dowd, Neve Jones, and Linda Djougang retain their places, while the back row features Erin King at openside flanker and Aoife Wafer anchoring the scrum at number eight.
Vicky Elmes Kinlan is in line to make her Six Nations debut from the bench, donning the number 23 jersey. Nicole Fowley also features in the replacements, providing depth in the backline.
Ireland faces a daunting challenge in the form of England, who are pursuing their 32nd straight Six Nations victory.
The English side has made three changes to their forward pack, welcoming back Alex Matthews for her first appearance of the tournament, while Maud Muir and Hannah Botterman bolster the front row.
Their backline remains unchanged, and the game will mark Abby Dow’s 50th cap—a milestone for the seasoned winger.
Ireland: Flood; McGann, Dalton, Higgins, Costigan (capt); O'Brien, Lane; O'Dowd, Jones, Djougang; Tuite, Wall; Hogan, King, Wafer.
Reserves: Moloney, McCarthy, Haney, Campbell, Moore, Reilly, Fowles, Elmes Kinlan.
