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Four changes for Ireland ahead of World Cup qualifier clash with Italy

Ireland head-coach Adam Griggs has made four changes to his team for tomorrow's Women's Rugby Wor...



Ireland head-coach Adam Griggs has made four changes to his team for tomorrow's Women's Rugby World Cup qualifier against Italy.

Laura Feely, Sam Monaghan, Edel McMahon and Eve Higgins have been brought into the side for the must-win encounter in Parma.

Higgins comes into midfield to partner Sene Naoupu with all the other switches being made in the pack.

Monaghan will get her first start in the second-row with Feely starting at loosehead and McMahon in the back-row.

"After a difficult result last weekend, we have collectively put the head down this week, conducted honest reviews and identified the areas we need to improve," Griggs said of his selection.

"We have implemented and executed those improvements in training and that gives us confidence going into Sunday.

"Italy will present a challenge, particularly with a home crowd behind them, but we are familiar with their threats and have left no stone unturned in our preparations for this game."

Ireland XV v Italy:

15. Eimear Considine (UL Bohemian/Munster)(19)
14. Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe (Railway Union/Munster)(3)
13. Eve Higgins (Railway Union/Leinster)(3)
12. Sene Naoupu (Old Belvedere/Leinster)(42)
11. Beibhinn Parsons (Ballinasloe/Blackrock College/Connacht)(12)
10. Stacey Flood (Railway Union/Leinster)(4)
9. Kathryn Dane (Old Belvedere/Ulster)(14)

1. Laura Feely (Blackrock College/Connacht)(20)
2. Cliodhna Moloney (Wasps/IQ Rugby)(27)
3. Linda Djougang (Old Belvedere/Leinster)(13)
4. Nichola Fryday (Blackrock College/Connacht)(19)
5. Sam Monaghan (Wasps/IQ Rugby)(1)
6. Dorothy Wall (Blackrock College/Munster)(8)
7. Edel McMahon (Wasps/IQ Rugby)(10)
8. Ciara Griffin (UL Bohemian/Munster)(Captain)(37)

Replacements:

16. Neve Jones (Malone/Ulster)(4)
17. Lindsay Peat (Railway Union/Leinster)(35)
18. Leah Lyons (Sale/IQ Rugby)(27)
19. Brittany Hogan (DCU/Old Belvedere/Ulster)(5)
20. Claire Molloy (Wasps/IQ Rugby)(71)
21. Emily Lane (Blackrock College/Munster)(4)
22. Enya Breen (UL Bohemian/Munster)(7)
23. Lauren Delany (Sale Sharks/IQ Rugby)(15).

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