Griggs: The players are buying into our plan

HANNAH TYRRELL will make her first start of this year’s Six Nations campaign as Ireland head coach Adam Griggs has largely shown faith in the same side that beat Wales last time out.

Scotland are the visitors to Donnybrook on Sunday, as Ireland look to win their third game on the bounce before a difficult trip to England next weekend.

Tyrrell missed the start of the campaign due to sevens commitments but she came off the bench against Wales to good effect and consequently has forced her way into the starting XV on the left wing.

Hooker Cliodhna Moloney is also promoted from the bench as she makes up a powerful front-row alongside Lindsay Peat and Leah Lyons.

POSITIVES

“We came away with a good win against Wales and there are some huge positives to come out of that,” Griggs said.

“We are in a good place going into the final two games. I’ve no doubt Scotland will be looking to push us hard on Sunday afternoon. If we replicate our last performance, get the small things right, I am confident we will have a successful outcome.”

Ireland are justifiably confident going into the clash, and it helps too that they have a settled team.

Sene Naoupu and Katie Fitzhenry are building a good understanding in midfield, while the backrow of captain Ciara Griffin, Paula Fitzpatrick and Claire Molloy, who is chasing her third consecutive player of the match award, is formidable.

“We’re improving every time,” Griggs added.

“They are making a step up each time and as a coach, that’s all you can ask for. I think the players are starting to buy into it.”

IRELAND WOMEN( to play Scotland on Sunday )– K Flood; M Williams, F Fit z henry, SN aou pu, HT yr re ll; N Briggs, A Hughes; LP eat, C Mo loney,L Lyons; A McDermott, O Fitz simons; C Griffin, (capt), CMol loy, P Fitzpatrick. Reps: C O’ Connor, L Feely, FRei dy, A Baxter, E McMahon, N Cronin, M Cl affey,L Galvin.