Adam Griggs explains call to axe experienced Claire Molloy

France's Annaelle Deshayes tackles Ireland's Claire Molloy during the Guinness Women's Six Nations match at Energia Park

Ireland women’s coach Adam Griggs says he has set 72-times capped back row Claire Molloy some targets to improve on away from the squad after axing her for this weekend’s Six Nations play-off against Italy.

Molloy, 32, who was Ireland’s player of the match last October when they defeated Italy 21-7 at Donnybrook, has won two Six Nations Championships with Ireland in her 12-year international career, but is one of only three changes to a side that fell to a 56-15 defeat to France last weekend.