Ireland bid to end losing streak at Fortress Twickenham
Daire Walsh
Ireland women’s head coach Adam Griggs feels his side have ‘nothing to lose’ heading into tonight’s international test against England at Twickenham [5.40pm, Sky Sports].
Following a 19-10 reversal to USA at Donnybrook last Sunday, Ireland’s bid to avoid a fourth straight loss in 2018 but face an onerous task against one of the game’s superpowers on their home patch.
“They have got some, I wouldn’t say new caps, but there are players there who have less experience that they are obviously trying through this November. It will be a different beast, but we know England. They are going to be very physical,” Griggs said.
“I guess from our side of things, we have got nothing to lose. We have to go into this game willing to give it our all for one but have no fear and not let that catch us out.”
With the exception of Nicole Cronin’s inclusion at scrum-half, the remainder of Ireland’s six changes come in the forward pack. Ballinasloe teenager Beibhinn Parsons impressed off the bench last weekend, but Griggs has kept faith with try-scoring wingers Eimear Considine and Laura Sheehan.
“I wouldn’t say it’s taking stock of her age [Parsons turns 17 next Friday]. In terms of the positions that she is in, the other wingers and back-three actually played really well.
“They have kept their place in the starting team, which is important for them as well to give themselves another crack at performing at this level. I’m sure Beibhinn will get a chance as well this weekend against England.”
IRELAND: L Delany; E Considine, S Naoupu, M Claffey, L Sheehan; N Caughey, N Cronin; L Peat, E Hooban, L Lyons; A McDermott, N Fryday; J Deacon, C Molloy, J Short.
Replacements: S Mimnagh, L Feely, F Reid, C McLaughlin, E McMahon, A Hughes, E Murphy, B Parsons.