Four changes on Irish team for must-win World Cup qualifier

Laura Feely, Sam Monaghan, Edel McMahon and Eve Higgins are handed starts for the crucial fixture.

Laura Feely is handed a start after featuring off the bench against Spain. 

Head coach Adam Griggs admits there has been a lot of ‘honest analysis’ within the Ireland women’s rugby squad in advance of their pivotal World Cup qualifier against Italy at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma tomorrow.

Following a shock opening round defeat to Spain in the same venue last Monday, Ireland simply can’t afford another slip-up as they bid to reach next year’s finals in New Zealand. Despite having just six days to prepare for a battle with the Italians in their own backyard, Griggs believes his troops have laid enough groundwork to get the job done on the field of play.