Griggs eyes a treble

CEMENTING third place in the Women’s Six Nations table with a win over Scotland will be the aim at Donnybrook this lunchtime (1.0), when Ireland play their penultimate game.

After being shut out by France in their first game of the tournament in Toulouse, Adam Griggs’ team responded with home wins against Italy and Wales. The same will be expected against the Scots.

Scotland are off the bottom by virtue of their single losing bonus point from the defeat to Wales and they have been soundly beaten by both France and England at home since then. They can call on their captain Lisa Martin, who returns to the side at out-half after recovering from an eye problem.

Last year it took a try in the 82ndminute for Ireland to win 22-15 in Scotland and Griggs will hope that the match is over long before then this afternoon.

Sevens players Ashleigh Baxter and Louise Galvin, part of the 2013 Grand Slam-winning squad, are options from the bench, while winger Hannah Tyrrell gets a start at No11 after scoring a try when coming on as a replacement against Wales.

Paula Fitzpatrick wins a 40th cap at Donnybrook, while Cliodhna Moloney replaces Ciara O’Connor at hooker for the game. Aoife McDermott retains her place in the second row alongside Orla Fitzsimons.