Key Changes and Strategic Moves

Ireland has introduced 10 changes to their lineup for the final Women's Rugby World Cup warm-up match against Canada this Saturday in Belfast. Only wing Beibhinn Parsons, fly-half Dannagh O'Brien, and the back row trio of Grace Moore, Ivana Kiripati, and Brittany Hogan retain their positions from last week's victory over Scotland in Cork. Neve Jones will captain the team, with Sam Monaghan serving as co-captain from the bench.

Emerging Talent and Tactical Insights

Prop Ellena Perry is set to earn her first cap after being named among the replacements. Head coach Scott Bemand emphasized the importance of this match, stating, "Having another opportunity to test ourselves is essential in the run-up to the Rugby World Cup, and we know Canada will provide us with a really strong test." Bemand also highlighted the need for a stronger start, referencing last week's comeback after conceding early tries.

Lineup and Bench Strategy

The front row will feature Niamh O'Dowd and Linda Djougang alongside Jones, with Fiona Tuite and Ruth Campbell in the second row. The back row remains unchanged with Moore, Kiripati, and Hogan. Aoibheann Reilly joins O'Brien at half-back, with Enya Breen and Aoife Dalton starting at centre. Stacey Flood is named at full-back, flanked by wings Anna McGann and Parsons. The bench includes a six-two split, with forwards Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald, Perry, Sadhbh McGrath, Eimear Corri-Fallon, Monaghan, and Claire Boles, and backs Emily Lane and Eve Higgins.

Tournament Prospects

Ireland is grouped with Japan, Spain, and New Zealand in Pool C for the World Cup in England. The match will be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer, BBC Two NI, and the BBC Sport app and website, with former Ireland internationals Lindsay Peat, Claire Small, and Fiona Hayes providing commentary.

Ireland Line-Up

Starting XV: Stacey Flood; Beibhinn Parsons; Aoife Dalton, Enya Breen; Anna McGann; Dannah O'Brien, Aoibheann Reilly; Niamh O'Dowd, Neve Jones (Co-Captain), Linda Djougang; Ruth Campbell, Fiona Tuite; Grace Moore, Ivana Kiripati, Brittany Hogan.

Replacements: Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald, Ellena Perry, Sadhbh McGrath, Eimear Corri Fallon, Sam Monaghan, Claire Boles, Emily Lane, Eve Higgins.