Sam Monaghan returns among three changes for Scotland clash

Neil Treacy Neil Treacy | 04-26 00:15

Co-captain Sam Monaghan returns to the Ireland team for Saturday's final Guinness Women's Six Nations meeting with Scotland, among three changes to Scott Bemand's side.

The second row missed out on last week's defeat to England at Twickenham, but is reinstated to the second row, co-captaining the side alongside flanker Edel McMahon.

The remaining changes come in the backline, as Enya Breen comes into the centre where she replaces Aoife Dalton, while Méabh Deely earns her first start of the championship at full-back.

Leinster's Katie Heffernan is also in line for her debut off the bench, with the Ireland Sevens international named in the 23 shirt after impressing for the Wolfhounds during the Celtic Challenge.

Bemand has stuck with the same starting front row for the fifth consecutive game, as Linda Djougang and Christy Haney pack down either side of hooker Neve Jones, with Niamh O'Dowd, Clíodhna Moloney and Sadhbh McGrath supporting off the bench.

Monaghan's return sees Hannah O'Connor drop out of the matchday squad, with Dorothy Wall starting once again at lock.

The back row is unchanged from the defeat at Twickenham, with co-captain McMahon (above) joined by Aoife Wafer and Brittany Hogan.

Aoibheann Reilly and Dannah O'Brien are partnered once again in the half-backs, with the wingers Béibhinn Parsons and Katie Heffernan also retained.

Breen, who scored the winning try and conversion when the sides met in Belfast two years ago, comes into the centre and will provide cover at out-half if needed. The Munster woman partners Eve Higgins in midfield.

Scotland have also made three changes as they look to finish their campaign off with a third-place finish.

Head coach Brian Easson brings Meryl Smith in at full-back in place of the suspended Chloe Rollie , while Coreen Grant comes in on the wing.

Emma Wassell returns to the side in the second row following compassionate leave. The lock missed their recent games against England and Italy following the death of her mother.


Ireland: Méabh Deelyy; Katie Corrigan, Eve Higgins, Enya Breen, Béibhinn Parsons; Dannah O'Brien, Aoibheann Reilly; Linda Djougang, Neve Jones, Christy Haney; Dorothy Wall, Sam Monaghan (co-capt); Aoife Wafer, Edel McMahon (co-capt), Brittany Hogan.

Replacements: Clíodhna Moloney, Niamh O'Dowd, Sadhbh McGrath, Fiona Tuite, Shannon Ikahihifo, Molly Scuffil-McCabe, Aoife Dalton, Katie Heffernan.

Scotland: Meryl Smith; Coreen Grant, Emma Orr, Lisa Thomson, Francesca McGhie; Helen Nelson, Caity Mattinson; Molly Wright, Lana Skeldon; Christine Belisle; Emma Wassell, Louise McMillan; Rachel Malcolm (capt), Alex Stewart, Evie Gallagher

Replacements: Elis Martin, Leah Bartlett, Elliann Clarke, Eva Donaldson, Rachel McLachlan, Mairi McDonald, Cieron Bell, 23. Nicole Flynn

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