Ireland Name Team For World Cup Clash With Japan

9 August 2017; Ciara Griffin, centre, of Ireland celebrates after scoring her sides second try during the 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup Pool C match between Ireland and Australia at the UCD Bowl in Belfield, Dublin. Photo by Eoin Noonan/Sportsfile
Cian Roche
By Cian Roche
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After a hard fought start to their Women's Rugby World Cup campaign, Ireland will look to make it two wins from two when they take on Japan on Sunday evening.

Tom Tierney's side edged Australia in their opening game of the competition and the hosts now turn their attention to Japan who were condemned to a heavy defeat to France.

Tierney has opted to make a total of seven changes for tomorrow's clash in UCD.

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Nicole Cronin comes in at scrum-half to make her XVs debut, while Mairead Coyne starts at fullback. At outside centre, there's room for Katie Fitzhenry meaning Sene Naoupu moves inside to 12.

Sophie Spence - who had a starring role off the bench against Australia - and Ciara Cooney make up the second row, while Ciara O'Connor takes her spot at tighthead.  Ciara Griffin completes the changes as she comes in at number six.

Tierney explained his reasoning behind making so many changes from their victory over Australia.

We’ve made a number of changes to the side from the Australia game with a view to giving some players a rest from what was a very physical game, but we also want to give the other members of the squad the opportunity to show what they can do against a fast and agile Japanese team.

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Watch: RTE's Inspiring Intro To The Women's Rugby World Cup

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