Tom Tierney rings the changes for Ireland's must win game against France

Ireland have handed starts to Nicole Cronin and Leah Lyons for the must win encounter against France in the Women's World Cup encounter in Dublin.

The home side are currently positioned second in Pool C with eight points and their narrow wins over Australia and Japan means, a defeat here will end their hopes of making it to the top four.

Cronin, who made here debut in the game against Japan has retained her place while Lyons has been the preferred the choice for hooker over Cliodhna Moloney. Lyons had an impressive outing coming from bench in the previous game.

Ireland head coach Tom Tierney is backing his team to emerge victorious and believes the home support will play to their advantage in the all important clash.

"It's a cup final tomorrow night, with a place in the semi-finals up for grabs, so we want the players to go out there and give it everything," said Tierney.

"It won't be easy, but with the crowd behind them, they have the ability to claim a place in the final four."

Captain Claire Molloy shifts to openside flanker with Ciara Griffin and Paula Fitzpatrick completing the back-row. Jenny Murphy and Sene Naoupu will form a potent centre pairing, with Hannah Tyrrell, Alison Miller and Nora Stapleton comprising the back-three.

Ireland Women's team to play France in Dublin on Thursday:

H Tyrrell (Leinster), E Considine (Munster), J Murphy (Leinster), S Naoupu (Harlequins), A Miller (Connacht), N Stapleton (Leinster), N Cronin (Munster), L Peat (Leinster), L Lyons (Munster), A Egan, S Spence, M Reilly (all Leinster), C Griffin (Munster), C Molloy (Bristol, captain), P Fitzpatrick (Leinster).

Replacements: C Moloney (Leinster), R O'Reilly, C O'Connor (both Connacht), A Baxter (Ulster), H O'Brien (Munster), L Muldoon (Ulster), K Fitzhenry (Leinster), L Galvin (Munster)