Ireland women’s rugby team has been dealt a blow ahead of their WXV Global Series fixture against Japan, with back row player Aoife Wafer ruled out due to injury. The setback occurred after Wafer sustained a minor issue during training, removing her from contention for Sunday’s crucial game in Galway.
Head coach Scott Bemand has responded to the disappointment and the team’s earlier stumble by making six alterations to the starting lineup. This follows the shock 40-36 defeat to the United States in the series opener at Tallaght last weekend, where Ireland had led 31-12 before a dramatic four-try second-half surge by the Americans secured the win.
Bemand has introduced Connacht-based backs Beibhinn Parsons, Anna McGann, and Aoibheann Reilly to the starting XV. In the forward pack, Eilís Cahill earns her first start, while Neve Jones takes the hooker role and Brittany Hogan comes into the back row.
The coach has also named uncapped hooker Beth Buttimer in the matchday 23 for the first time. The 21-year-old, who impressed for Munster in the Women’s Interprovincial Championship, is poised to make her Test debut as a substitute.
Ireland’s confirmed lineup for the Japan match is: Flood; Parsons, McGann, Higgins, Elmes Kinlan; O’Brien, Reilly; O’Dowd, Jones, Cahill; Wall, Tuite-O’Sullivan; Hogan, King (capt), Adams Verling. Replacements include Buttimer, McGrath, Djougang, Clohessy, Moore, Lane, Dalton, and Gallagher.
Beth Buttimer making the matchday 23? Finally! Her work rate for Munster has been outstanding this season.
Eilís Cahill getting the start is interesting. I hope she can handle the physicality of the Japanese forward pack.
Such a pity about Wafer. Six changes is a massive gamble after the US loss, but we need fresh legs against Japan.