Aoibheann Reilly gets the nod at scrum-half for Ireland's World Cup opener

Ireland face Japan at Franklin's Gardens on Sunday. 

Aoibheann Reilly was chosen at scrum-half ahead of Emily Lane, who will be on the bench, and Molly Scuffil-McCabe. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Ireland head coach Scott Bemand has declared his hand for the first of his team’s World Cup duties with scrum-half Aoibheann Reilly the big winner as they prepare to face Japan in Franklin’s Gardens on Sunday.

The head coach had three live options for the No.9 shirt but he has gone with the Ballinasloe woman, which means Emily Lane will provide back-up from the bench and Molly Scuffil-McCabe loses out on this occasion.