Ireland will look to put the disappointment of not reaching next year’s Rugby World Cup behind them when they welcome the USA in a historic encounter on Friday night.
Adam Griggs’ side were last in Test action in September when they agonisingly lost to Scotland in the European World Cup qualifier to end their hopes of a ticket to New Zealand.
But with the 2022 Women’s Six Nations around the corner, Ireland will get back on the horse with a fascinating clash against the Eagles – who come into the contest after back-to-back defeats to Canada.
Ireland Women name team for historic RDS clash
The game will be the very first women’s international to be staged at the RDS and also the first game Ireland’s women have played in front of a home crowd since the 2020 Championship.
The USA and Ireland last met in November of 2018 for what was the Eagles’ first Test win (19-10) since the Rugby World Cup in 2017 and just two places separate the sides in the world rankings.
TEAM NEWS
Maeve Og O’Leary is set to make her debut for Ireland after being named on the bench by Adam Griggs, with Ciara Griffin captaining the home side from the back row.
It is a vastly experienced front row of Lindsay Peat, Cliodhna Moloney and Leah Lyons who will be charged with holding up in the set-piece against the Americans, ranked sixth in the world.
In the backs, Lauren Delany, Laura Sheehan and Beibhinn Parsons make up an exciting back three, with Eimear Considine and Sene Naoupu in the centres.
Meanwhile, the USA have made nine changes from last weekend’s defeat to Canada, with Catie Benson starting at prop and Alycia Washington coming in at lock.
Rachel Ehrecke is in at flanker with Elizabeth Cairns named to the reserves, Megan Foster starts at fly-half, while Amy Bonte is in at center with Tess Feury on the right wing.
Kayla Canett will start at full-back and Kathryn Treder could play her first test match since November 2019 after being named among the replacements.
WHAT THEY SAID
Griggs said: “We have had two good weeks of preparation for the Autumn Tests and the group are excited to get back out on the pitch and put that hard work into action.
“A first Test at the RDS under Friday night lights will be a special occasion and we’re looking forward to having family, friends and our supporters back in the stands to get behind us.”
Ireland captain Ciara Griffin added: “What’s big is our family and friends will be the home side in a crowd for the first time in two years. I’m relishing that, I think we all are.
“Relishing the opportunity to right some wrongs. Come together again as a group and put in the performances we know we’re capable of.”
Head Coach Rob Cain said: “We are under no illusions as to how strong a test Ireland will present. The fact that they’ve played seven test matches through the pandemic gives us another great platform to challenge where we are.
“The Canada series allowed us to get some positive answers individually and collectively both in our technical and tactical execution. The players’ effort has been incredible as they’ve changed so much in terms of their rugby.
“That said, it has also been a frustrating two weeks, especially when this hard work and evolution hasn’t always translated in real time.”
THE TEAMS
Ireland: 15. Lauren Delany, 14. Laura Sheehan, 13. Eimear Considine, 12. Sene Naoupu, 11. Beibhinn Parsons, 10. Stacey Flood, 9. Ailsa Hughes; 1. Lindsay Peat, 2. Cliodhna Moloney, 3. Leah Lyons, 4. Nichola Fryday, 5. Sam Monaghan, 6. Ciara Griffin (c), 7. Edel McMahon, 8. Anna Caplice
Replacements: 16. Neve Jones, 17. Katie O’Dwyer, 18. Linda Djougang, 19. Hannah O’Connor, 20. Maeve Óg O’Leary, 21. Kathryn Dane, 22. Eve Higgins, 23. Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe
USA: 15. Kayla Canett, 14. Tess Feury, 13. Amy Talei Bonte, 12. Katana Howard, 11. Bulou Mataitoga, 10. Megan Foster, 9. Carly Waters; 1. Catherine Benson, 2. Saher Hamdan, 3. Hope Rogers, 4. Kristine Sommer, 5. Alycia Washington, 6. Rachel Ehrecke, 7. Rachel Johnson, 8. Kate Zackary
Replacements: 16. Kathryn Treder, 17. Maya Learned, 18. Nick James, 19. Hallie Taufoou, 20. Elizabeth Cairns, 21. Olivia Ortiz, 22. McKenzie Hawkins, 23. Sarah Levy
