Ireland women have named their side for an historic clash at the RDS against the USA as Maeve Og O’Leary is set to make her debut.
The Munster flanker is rewarded for her fine performances at Inter-Provincial level in the first women’s international to be staged at the RDS.
Ciara Griffin will captain the side in the back row, joined by Edel McMahon and Anna Caplice behind a second-row pairing of Nichola Fryday and Sam Monaghan.
It is a vastly experienced front row of Lindsay Peat, Cliodhna Moloney and Leah Lyons who will be charged with holding up in the set-piece against the Americans, ranked sixth in the world.
In the backs, Lauren Delany, Laura Sheehan and Beibhinn Parsons make up an exciting back three, with Eimear Considine and Sene Naoupu in the centres.
Stacey Flood and Ailsa Hughes combine to make up the half-backs with coach Adam Griggs excited about the occasion.
He said: “We have had two good weeks of preparation for the Autumn Tests and the group are excited to get back out on the pitch and put that hard work into action. A first Test at the RDS under Friday night lights will be a special occasion and we’re looking forward to having family, friends and our supporters back in the stands to get behind us.”
Ireland women: 15. Lauren Delany, 14. Laura Sheehan, 13. Eimear Considine, 12. Sene Naoupu, 11. Beibhinn Parsons, 10. Stacey Flood, 9. Ailsa Hughes; 1. Lindsay Peat, 2. Cliodhna Moloney, 3. Leah Lyons, 4. Nichola Fryday, 5. Sam Monaghan, 6. Ciara Griffin (c), 7. Edel McMahon, 8. Anna Caplice
Replacements: 16. Neve Jones, 17. Katie O’Dwyer, 18. Linda Djougang, 19. Hannah O’Connor, 20. Maeve Óg O’Leary, 21. Kathryn Dane, 22. Eve Higgins, 23. Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe
