PREVIEW…
Monday. Kick-off 3am
IRELAND take on world champions New Zealand this morning looking to make a statement in the top tier.
Edel McMahon captains the newly promoted WXV3 champions from the back row, as Scott Bemand retains continuity in his selection from the six-try victory over Australia in Belfast earlier this month.
There is just one change in the Ireland backline as Stacey Flood comes in to start at full-back, with Eimear Considine switching to the right wing.
Ireland head coach Scott Bemand said: “In terms of selection, we’ve had some good competition for places in recent weeks which has led to some difficult conversations. We’re pleased with how the group are performing, and we feel we’ve got the right blend in our Match Day Squad for the opening game of the campaign.”
Ireland have not faced the Black Ferns since 2016 and this will be just the third ever Test between the two sides.
New Zealand lost last time out 24-12 at Twickenham against England after back-to-back wins over Australia to win the Laurie O’Reilly Cup.
PREVIEW…
Today. Kick-off 11.45pm
MARINE Menager will win her 50th cap as Six Nations runners-up France gear up for their opener against in-form Canada.
New co-captain Ménager has been shifted from the centre to the wing, with Mélissande Llorens taking the opposite side. Flanker Axelle Berthoumieu replaces Charlotte Escudero in the number six jersey.
Canada beat New Zealand 22-19 in Christchurch last time out which sealed four victories in a row against France, USA and Australia.
TEAMS
NEW ZEALAND: Holmes, Tui, Brunt, du Plessis, Vahaakolo, Demant (cc), Joseph; Parkes, Lolohea, Rule, Bremner, Roos, Sae, Tukuafu (cc), Mikaele-Tu’u Replacements: Connor, Viliko, Kalounivale, Bremner, Jenkins, Hohaia, King, Paul IRELAND: Flood, Considine, Dalton, Breen, Murphy Crowe, O’Brien, Scuffil-McCabe; O’Dowd, Jones, Djougang, Wall, Tuite, Wafer, McMahon (c), Hogan
Replacements: Moloney, McCarthy, Stock, Moore, King, Lane, Higgins, Elmes Kinlan
Referee: Sara Cox
