Ireland make six changes to face Japan with Wafer ruled out after USA defeat

Ireland head coach Scott Bemand has named six changes to his starting XV for Sunday’s WXV Global Series fixture against Japan at Dexcom Stadium, with star back-row Aoife Wafer ruled out through a minor training injury.

Wafer’s absence is a significant blow. The two-time Guinness Women’s Six Nations Player of the Championship is unavailable after picking up the knock in the build-up to the game, forcing a reshuffle in the back row. Jemima Adams Verling moves to No. 8 to cover, Brittany Hogan comes in as starting blindside flanker, and Erin King captains the side from the back row.

The changes come after a chastening opening defeat to the USA Women’s Eagles in Dublin last week, where Ireland surrendered a 19-point second-half lead to lose 40-36. Poor discipline in the second half proved costly, handing the initiative to Jack Hanratty’s Eagles, who climbed two places in the World Rugby rankings as a result.

In the front row, Niamh O’Dowd is the only player retained from last week, with Eilís Cahill preferred to Linda Djougang at tighthead prop. Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald drops out of the matchday 23 entirely, replaced in the starting hooker role by Neve Jones of Gloucester Hartpury. Dorothy Wall and Fiona Tuite-O’Sullivan continue as the second-row partnership.

In the backs, Anna McGann is selected at outside centre ahead of Aoife Dalton to partner Eve Higgins in midfield, while Béibhinn Parsons retains her place on the wing. Aoibheann Reilly takes the starting scrum-half jersey from Emily Lane, who drops to the bench.

Beth Buttimer is named among the replacements and is set to earn her first international cap when called upon.

Ireland starting XV v Japan: 15. Stacey Flood, 14. Béibhinn Parsons, 13. Anna McGann, 12. Eve Higgins, 11. Vicky Elmes Kinlan, 10. Dannah O’Brien, 9. Aoibheann Reilly; 1. Niamh O’Dowd, 2. Neve Jones, 3. Eilís Cahill, 4. Dorothy Wall, 5. Fiona Tuite-O’Sullivan, 6. Brittany Hogan, 7. Erin King, 8. Jemima Adams Verling.

Replacements: 16. Beth Buttimer*, 17. Sadhbh McGrath, 18. Linda Djougang, 19. Jane Clohessy, 20. Grace Moore, 21. Emily Lane, 22. Aoife Dalton, 23. Niamh Gallagher.

*uncapped