Fiona Hayes: Big scalps mean Ireland won’t fear Canada

When you’ve locked horns and beaten women’s rugby giants New Zealand and World Cup champions England in the recent past, taking on highly-ranked Canada isn’t quite the frightening prospect it could be.

Today’s clash in the second of three Autumn internationals at the UCD Bowl (2pm) will be a tough ask for Ireland against a side that surprised many by making it all the way to the 2014 World Cup final where England beat them 21-9.

However, UL Bohemian, Munster and Ireland prop Fiona Hayes was quick to point out the girls in green created their own bit of history in that tournament by shocking the fancied Black Ferns en route to a third/fourth place play-off against France.