Ireland women’s rugby return to Galway on Sunday with Japan standing in their way, as head coach Scott Bemand names a refreshed Match Day 23 for the Vodafone Ireland WXV Series at Dexcom Stadium.
The 12.45pm kick-off marks Ireland’s second outing in the campaign and brings the team back to the home of Connacht Rugby, where the Green Wave made a strong impression during last season’s Guinness Women’s Six Nations.
Ireland women’s rugby make six changes for Japan
Bemand has made six changes to the starting XV that faced the USA last weekend. Connacht players Béibhinn Parsons, Anna McGann and Aoibheann Reilly all come into the backline, while Eilís Cahill is handed her first Ireland start in the front row.
Neve Jones returns at hooker and Brittany Hogan is selected at blindside flanker. Aoife Wafer is unavailable after suffering a minor training injury, creating an opening for a reshaped pack.
Stacey Flood starts at full-back, with Parsons and Vicky Elmes Kinlan named on the wings. McGann partners Eve Higgins in midfield, while Dannah O’Brien and Reilly form the half-back pairing.
Newcomer Beth Buttimer included on the bench
There is also a major milestone for Munster hooker Beth Buttimer. The 21-year-old is included in an Ireland Match Day squad for the first time and could make her Test debut from the replacements’ bench.
Buttimer impressed during the recent Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship and now has the chance to step into the international spotlight at Dexcom Stadium.
How Ireland line up against Japan
The starting pack combines established international experience with a first start for Cahill and a debut appearance for Jemima Adams Verling in the number eight jersey. Erin King captains the side from openside flanker.
- 15: Stacey Flood
- 14: Béibhinn Parsons
- 13: Anna McGann
- 12: Eve Higgins
- 11: Vicky Elmes Kinlan
- 10: Dannah O’Brien
- 9: Aoibheann Reilly
- 1: Niamh O’Dowd
- 2: Neve Jones
- 3: Eilís Cahill
- 4: Dorothy Wall
- 5: Fiona Tuite-O’Sullivan
- 6: Brittany Hogan
- 7: Erin King, captain
- 8: Jemima Adams Verling
The replacements are Beth Buttimer, Sadhbh McGrath, Linda Djougang, Jane Clohessy, Grace Moore, Emily Lane, Aoife Dalton and Niamh Gallagher.
What to watch when Ireland face Japan
Ireland will want to build momentum in the WXV Series, with the selection suggesting an emphasis on continuity in the second row and fresh energy across the backline. The contest at half-back could be particularly important, with Reilly and O’Brien tasked with setting the tempo and finding space against Japan’s defensive organisation.
The home crowd in Galway should also provide a significant lift. Connacht representation is strong throughout the squad, with Parsons, McGann, Reilly and Adams Verling all involved in the starting team.
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Where to watch Ireland v Japan
Sunday’s match will be broadcast live on the TG4 Player and YouTube. Tickets are on general sale, giving supporters the opportunity to watch Ireland’s women take on Japan at Dexcom Stadium.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
The next step: Ireland will look to turn a much-changed line-up into a confident WXV Series performance when Japan arrive in Galway on Sunday afternoon.
