Sam Monaghan, the co-captain of the Ireland team, will be absent for the Six Nations premiership on Saturday at Twickenham. Monaghan, one of Ireland’s competent offensive players in past games, won’t be part of the 23-man squad. His position as a lock forward is taken by Hannah O’Connor.
The starting lineup announces one more switch, which sees Aoife Dalton being brought to play centre, replacing Enya Breen. This alteration is the only one since their victory against Wales. Méabh Deely is the sole fresh face in the 23, as she is slotted in as a substitute.
Edel McMahon has been given the responsibilities of sole captainship, due to the absence of Monaghan. McMahon would be performing as flanker. The rest of the backrow consists of previous round’s best player, Aoife Wafer, and Brittany Hogan. The second row includes Hannah O’Connor, while Dorothy Wall too is stationed here. The unchanged front row has Linda Djougang, Neve Jones, and Christy Haney, with Clíodhna Moloney staying a substitute during her international return.
The halfbacks in this game include Dannah O’Brien and Aoibheann Riley. Meanwhile, the central field sees Eve Higgins playing alongside the replaced Enya Breen. The back-three position will be manned by Beibhinn Parsons, Katie Corrigan, and Lauren Delany. Besides the adjusted players of Enya Breen, Clíodhna Moloney, and Méabh Deely, the bench of Ireland consists of Niamh O’Dowd, Sadhbh McGrath, Fiona Tuite, and Shannon Ikahihifo. Nicole Fowley won’t be part of the 23, as she was a substitute against Wales.
Head coach Scott Bemand expressed his expectations for the match at Twickenham. He spoke of the collective improvement the team has been making and is excited for the forthcoming challenges. The players are also looking forward to performing in front of a large crowd. According to him, the team’s training indications and competitive spirit signal that they are ready. The coach anticipates consistent support from the fans present at the stadium.
Ireland’s team includes Lauren Delany; Katie Corrigan, Eve Higgins, Aoife Dalton, Béibhinn Parsons; Dannah O’Brien, Aoibheann Reilly; Linda Djougang, Neve Jones, Christy Haney; Dorothy Wall, Hannah O’Connor; Aoife Wafer, Edel McMahon (who is the captain), and Brittany Hogan. The bench strength is Clíodhna Moloney, Niamh O’Dowd, Sadhbh McGrath, Fiona Tuite, Shannon Ikahihifo, Molly Scuffil-McCabe, Enya Breen, and Méabh Deely.