Tom Tierney has made a number of changes for the Ireland Women’s side to face Scotland in their final 2016 Six Nations outing of the season at Donnybrook on Sunday (1pm).
After defeats to England and France, the home side conclude their campaign against a visiting Scottish side with a new coaching ticket in place.
Tierney has made both personnel and positional alterations from the team that beat Italy 14-3 last week.
Experienced captain Niamh Briggs reverts from centre to her usual position of full back, while last week’s debutants Liz Burke and Claire McLaughlin remain in the backline.
Out-half Nora Stapleton and scrum-half Larissa Muldoon form an experienced half-back partnership, with 71 caps between them.
Up front, Ruth O'Reilly returns to the starting line-up and joins Zoe Grattage and Ailis Egan in the front row, while Ciara Cooney moves from the back row to partner Elaine Anthony at second row.
Ciara Griffin will move from openside to blindside flanker to allow Claire Molloy take up the number 7 jersey and Paula Fitzpatrick will start at number 8.
Tierney is satisfied that the strong competition for places is having a positive effect on the squad.
“We again have some new combinations out there, which I'm sure will be exciting and will hopefully allow us to finish the campaign on a high,” he said.
"Building strength in depth has been a key focus for us this campaign. Since we began the season back in November with our first ever autumn test against England, there have been 14 new caps and that is very important for women's rugby in Ireland.
“Overall we're pleased with how the Six Nations has progressed so far. While the results away to England and France were disappointing, we have won our two home games and will be hoping to make it three this weekend.”
Ireland team: Niamh Briggs (captain); Liz Burke, Claire McLaughlin, Sene Naoupu 11. Alison Miller; Nora Stapleton, Larissa Muldoon; Ruth O'Reilly, Zoe Grattage, Ailis Egan; Elaine Anthony, Ciara Cooney; Ciara Griffin, Claire Molloy, Paula Fitzpatrick.
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