IT’S RUGBY SEVENS FOR TOM
Tierney rings changes for very different challenge
WOMEN’S RUGBY WORLD CUP Ireland v Japan, 5.15pm
Tom Tierney’s side had a bruising 19-17 win over Australia last Wednesday.
So, with one eye on Thursday’s crunch Pool C clash against France, today’s game is the perfect time to rest a few tired bodies.
The Irish girls face what should be the easiest of their three fixtures but need to win it to keep their hopes of making the World Cup semi-finals on track.
“We had a really tough game on Wednesday and while we came away with the win, there were a number of areas in which we need to improve,” admitted coach Tierney.
“Japan are going to throw everything at us.
“They are fit, they like to move the ball wide and they are quick to the break down.
“We’ve made a number of changes with a view to giving some players a rest after what was a physical game against Australia.
“But we also want to give the other members of the squad an opportunity to show what they can do against a fast, agile Japanese team.”
Uncapped scrum-half Nicole Cronin gets her first start at 15-a-side but her sevens experience should be an asset in what could be a free-flowing, expansive game.
She’s one of three changes in the backs with Mairead Coyne and Katie Fitzhenry also drafted in as Hannah Tyrrell moves from fullback to the wing.
The Irish pack fronted up against the powerful Aussies and it’s no surprise Tierney’s opted to rest a few tired and sore bodies.
Ciara O’connor, Ciara Cooney, Sophie Spence and Ciara Griffin are the four changes in the forwards, with Spence (inset) and Griffin both scoring tries when brought off the bench against the Wallaroos.
Ireland beat Japan in two warm-up games in Dublin in June but the home side won’t have it all their own way, insists Tyrrell.
“A lot of Japan’s backs would be Sevens players so will be very fit and not carrying a lot of extra weight.
“They wouldn’t be the biggest of units in the backline but they know how to put themselves about.
“They tend to use footwork and speed to get them around, instead of the big bash-it-up centres or wingers that maybe Australia have.
“It’s a different challenge, but they are a good side.”
Nerves seemed to get the better of Ireland against Australia but with a win under their belts, they should show tonight that they have settled into the tournament.