Cantwell wins 83rd cap against France

Ireland’s Lynne Cantwell will win her 83rd cap in tomorrow’s Six Nations clash with Grand Slam chasing France.

The Leinster out-half was named in coach Philip Doyle’s starting 15, a side which shows three changes from the team that defeated Italy in the Aviva Stadium on Saturday (39-0). Centre Jenny Murphy, scrum-half Larissa Muldoon and prop Ailis Egan all return to the starting line-up in place of Grace Davitt, Amy Davis and Stacey-Lea Kennedy. Leinster’s Egan comes in at loose-head with Munster’s Gillian Bourke back as hooker.

Ireland travelled to Pau in southern France last night and will be based 10 minutes from Stade du Hameau. 2014 World Cup hosts France are unbeaten to-date and have an unassailable points difference of +137, but Ireland can deny them the grand slam with a win. Speaking prior to their departure yesterday, head coach Philip Doyle said: “France are the form team. We need to match their physicality and take our chances.”