Ireland head coach Scott Bemand has made a calculated single change to his starting lineup for Saturday's crucial Women's Six Nations clash against Wales at the Affidea Stadium. With the tournament entering its decisive phase, every selection decision carries extra weight.
Eve Higgins returns to the center, replacing Nancy McGillivray, who is not included in the matchday squad. It's the only adjustment from the side that fell 26-7 to France in Clermont two weeks ago. Higgins brings valuable experience, having started the opening defeat to England (33-12) before coming off the bench in the impressive 57-20 victory over Italy and the loss to France.
After a fallow week, Ireland aims to regain momentum and secure their second home win of the campaign. Meanwhile, Wales arrives desperate for their first victory, having suffered defeats against Scotland, France, and England.
The backline remains largely settled, with Stacey Flood at full-back, Beibhinn Parsons on the right wing, and Robyn O'Connor on the left. Aoife Dalton partners Higgins in midfield, while the dangerous half-back pairing of Dannah O'Brien and Emily Lane—who boasts three try assists this tournament—continues to pull the strings.
Up front, the unchanged front row features Ellena Perry, Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald—who scored Ireland's only try against France—and Linda Djougang. Dorothy Wall and Fiona Tuite, the latter having played every minute of the tournament, anchor the second row. The back row remains consistent for the fourth consecutive game, with Aoife Wafer, captain Erin King, and Brittany Hogan providing physicality and leadership.
Bemand has shuffled his bench, opting for a 6:2 forward-to-back split. Sadh McGrath and Grace Moore return among the replacements, while 20-year-old full-back Niamh Gallagher is poised to make her senior debut off the bench—a testament to Ireland's growing depth.
Ireland XV to face Wales: Flood; Parsons, Dalton, Higgins, O'Connor; O'Brien, Lane; Perry, Moloney-MacDonald, Djougang, Wall, Tuite, Hogan, King (capt), Wafer.
Replacements: Jones, McGrath, Cahill, Campbell, Monaghan, Moore, Whelan, Gallagher.