There is just one change to the starting line up for Bemand's side for tomorrow's clash with Wales in Virgin Media Park.
Co-captain Edel McMahon returns as she replaces Grace Moore in the back row.
After being stretchered off early on in the Italian game Lauren Delany has also been given the green light and remains at full back for the Cork clash.
Recently recalled Cliodhna Moloney slots herself into the bench for the weekend along with the uncapped Shannon Ikahihifo who's come through the IQ system.
Speaking to the media after the announcement newly appointed defence coach Declan Danaher explained how happy he is with the team's performance so far:
I think the one change is probably a testament to the performance we put into those players. We've looked back this week and had reviews as a squad to try and learn how we can take some of the lessons from that Italy game and make sure we can apply them against Wales. I think we had a pretty decent first 20 minutes (against Italy) we probably just didn't come away with enough points for the territory and the possession we had. The good thing is we are creating those opportunities and now it is about how we can convert one or two more of those so that we can give ourselves momentum.
EIMEAR CONSIDINE: Cliodhna Moloney Will Be A Huge Addition To A Team Growing In Confidence
This week sees the return of co-captain Edel McMahon to the openside flanker position. Danaher commended McMahon on her work rate in training these past 3 weeks and explained how it was one of the main reasons why she got herself back on the team sheet.
What Edel has done is she has trained the house down the last 3 weeks and every training session she's put in what only I can describe as that she wants that jersey and that she is desperate to be involved. The competition in the back row at the moment is phenomenal and I think every week they are getting better and better and that's what Edel has done to give herself an opportunity to be involved again. It's been brilliant to see and I think if she can play half as well as she is training we'll be in a good place.
Supporters prayers were also answered this afternoon as Exeter hooker Cliodhna Moloney is named on the bench for the Cork clash. Speaking about the addition Danaher said
We obviously had an injury last week with Sarah Delaney, so there was need to bring another hooker in which gave us the opportunity then to bring in Cliodhna. Then it was a matter of getting her into camp those first few days, obviously allowing her to get her head around what the learning will be like for her from obviously line out but also attack and defence point of view. Then there's the question of would she be in a good place to be involved and she's definitely proved that with how she's settled in so seamlessly.
If the team sheet is anything to go by it is truly shaping up to being a fantastic match up.
Kick off in Virgin Media Park this Saturday is 4:45pm and tickets can be found here.
