Scott Bemand has selected his side for the WXV clash against Canada this morning. Ireland had a statement win last weekend against New Zealand and will be looking to continue their momentum at Langley Events Centre.
Bemand has gone with a back three of Stacey Flood at fullback, with a wing duo of Eimear Considine and Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe.
Eve Higgins and Enya Breen, the captain, start in midfield. Emily Lane starts for the first time as the country's scrumhalf, alongside Dannah O'Brien at outhalf.
Niamh O'Dowd, Clíodhna Moloney, and Linda Djougang make up the front row. Dorothy Wall and Fiona Tuite provide engine cover, while Erin King, Aoife Wafer, and Brittany Hogan complete the side from the back row.
The Ireland Match Day Squad to face Canada in Saturday's WXV clash in Langley! 🟢#IrishRugby
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 3, 2024
Bemand's forward bench consists of Neve Jones, Siobhán McCarthy, Andrea Stock, Grace Moore, and Deirbhile Nic a Bháird, while Molly Scuffil-McCabe, Nicole Fowley, and Aoife Dalton complete the bench.
Speaking ahead of the game, Bemand said on the IRFU website: “We were really pleased to get our campaign off to a winning start last weekend, and there has been a real hunger within the group this week to reset the focus. We want to keep the momentum going and be a bit better again this week. Character and performance will keep this moving forward.
“A number of players have earned their opportunity in a green jersey on Saturday, having worked hard to compete across the week. It will be a special moment for Enya to lead the team for the first time, supported by our leaders. A strong Canada outfit will provide a different challenge for us, and we’re looking forward to testing ourselves against one of the best teams in the world.”
Saturday’s match is live on RugbyPass TV. Kick-off is at 3.45pm local time/11.45pm Irish time.
Ireland: Stacey Flood; Eimear Considine, Eve Higgins, Enya Breen (captain), Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe; Dannah O'Brien, Emily Lane; Niamh O’Dowd, Clíodhna Moloney, Linda Djougang; Dorothy Wall, Fiona Tuite; Erin King, Aoife Wafer, Brittany Hogan.
Replacements: Neve Jones, Siobhán McCarthy, Andrea Stock, Grace Moore, Deirbhile Nic a Bháird, Molly Scuffil-McCabe, Nicole Fowley, and Aoife Dalton.
Canada: Taylor Perry; Fancy Bermudez, Shoshanah Seumanutafa, Alexandra Tessier, Alysha Corrigan; Claire Gallagher, Justine Pelletier; Brittany Kassil, Emily Tuttosi, Alexandria Ellis; Tyson Beukeboom (captain), Courtney Holtkamp; Pamphinette Buisa, Caroline Crossley, Gabrielle Senft.
Replacements: Sara Cline, McKinley Hunt, Rori Wood, Laetitia Royer, Fabiola Forteza, Julia Omokhuale, Olivia Apps, Julia Schell.
