Ireland Faces Tough Test Against Wales This Afternoon

The Irish women’s rugby team will be battling for glory in Wales at midday this afternoon as they prepare to go head-to-head with the third placed side. Head coach Tom Tierney has made one change to the side that overcame World Champions England 11-8 in Ashbourne two weeks’ ago, after Katie Fitzhenry was ruled out due to an ankle injury. Jackie Shiels has now been named in the centre with Aoife Doyle coming up to take her spot on the bench. Meanwhile, it is set to be a big day for Gillian Bourke who will earn her 50^th cap in a green jersey. Speaking ahead of the game, Tierney revealed that Ireland, who are in fourth position, are not underestimating their opponents going into today’s match. “It was great to get a win against England a fortnight ago,” he said. “It has left us in a good position for the final two rounds of the Championship, but we are always looking for improvements." “We are not underestimating Wales, they are a strong side and we have no doubt they will bring their all with them for the home crowd. “If we do the small things right, we will be in good shape,” he concluded. The match will be streamed live here by Welsh TV channel S4C and there will also be live commentary on RTÉ’s 2FM. Ireland: Niamh Briggs (capt); Hannah Tyrrell, Jenny Murphy, Jackie Shiels, Alison Miller; Nora, Larissa Muldoon; Ruth O'Reilly, Gillian Bourke, Ailis Egan, Sophie Spence, Marie Louise Reilly, Paula Fitzpatrick, Claire Molloy, Heather O'Brien.