Rugby World Cup 2021 Qualifier: Ireland v Scotland

Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Spain are all tied on five points after two rounds, with each team winning one game, meaning there is still everything to play for in the Rugby World Cup 2021 Europe Qualifier.

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2021 EUROPE QUALIFIER – ROUND 3: Saturday, September 25

IRELAND WOMEN (2nd) v SCOTLAND WOMEN (4th), Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma, 6pm local time/5pm Irish time (RTÉ 2/RTÉ Player/BBC Alba/World Rugby YouTube/Facebook & rugbyworldcup.com/2021)

Team News: Head coach Adam Griggs has selected an unchanged team for this decisive round 3 encounter, as Ireland bid to book their ticket to next year’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Heading into the final round of fixtures, Ireland, hosts Italy, Spain and Scotland are all locked together on five points in the standings.

Today’s double header in Parma is set to determine which side secures their spot in New Zealand, and who progresses through to the final repechage tournament as the second-ranked team.

Griggs has maintained consistency in selection for the meeting with Six Nations rivals Scotland, rewarding the players who produced a measured performance to defeat Italy in the second round.

Eimear Considine, Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe and Beibhinn Parsons, who is gunning for her third try of the tournament, continue in the back-three, with Eve Higgins and Sene Naoupu retained in midfield.

Stacey Flood and Kathryn Dane get the nod again at half-back, while Ballybofey native Laura Feely retains the number 1 jersey, packing down with Cliodhna Moloney and Linda Djougang.

Captain Ciara Griffin anchors the back row on the occasion of her 39th cap, ably supported by all-action flankers Dorothy Wall and Edel McMahon.

There is one change on the bench from last week, with Ireland Sevens captain Lucy Mulhall returning to the matchday 23 in place of the injured Enya Breen.

Commenting ahead of the must-win game, Griggs said: “It has been another good week of preparation, and the group have maintained that laser-focus on the task ahead.

“We’re under no illusions of the challenge facing us but also the prize on offer, and have not shied away from embracing the pressure Saturday will inevitably bring.

“We have received huge support from home throughout this tournament and are looking forward to having more green in Parma on Saturday. Hopefully we can deliver the result we’re all striving to achieve.”

Meanwhile, Scotland boss Bryan Easson has opted for a settled starting selection, having made no changes to the team that claimed a crucial 27-22 bonus point win against Spain last Sunday.

Loughborough Lightning lock Emma Wassell will make her 50th appearance for Scotland, having never missed a match since her debut against Ireland during the 2014 Six Nations.

Sarah Bonar returns to the squad having missed last Sunday’s match due to work commitments, with the Harlequins lock listed among the replacements.

An unchanged tight five sees the 45-times capped Lana Skeldon pack down alongside Leah Bartlett and Christine Belisle in the front row, with Emma Wassell and Louise McMillan combining at lock.

Captain Rachel Malcolm, one of five Loughborough players in the starting XV, and Rachel McLachlan are named at blindside and openside flanker respectively, while Jade Konkel continues as a key ball carrier at number 8.

Sale Sharks’ Lisa Thompson returns to partner Hannah Smith in midfield, outside of the half-back pairing of Helen Nelson, who scored 12 points against the Spanish, and Jenny Maxwell.

Full-back Chloe Rollie, a real livewire if given opportunities, combines with Megan Gaffney and Rhona Lloyd in the back-three. Lloyd crossed the whitewash against both Italy and Spain.

Bryan Easson (Scotland Women):

I think the group that secured the victory against Spain last weekend deserved another start for this game.

“The whole squad have been brilliant throughout this campaign and I think it’s important to reward the players who put on a really impressive performance last Sunday.

“Sarah Bonar, who is a vital part of this squad, also returns to feature on the bench which is a huge boost for us as she brings a great deal of experience to the team.

“Discipline on both sides of the ball has been the focus for us this week. Discipline doesn’t just refer to the penalty count, it means about playing in the right areas, keeping the ball and doing the simple things well.

“We’ve spoken about getting the basics right throughout the tournament and with this being an extremely important Test match, we will be looking to make sure we are clinical in executing our game-plan.”