IRELAND WOMEN’S COACH Tom Tierney has made one changed to the side who defeated Italy on the opening night of the Six Nations.

There’s a new combination in the centre for Friday’s clash with France in Ashbourne as Jackie Shiels drops to the replacements bench with Katie Fitzhenry promoted to the number 12 jersey.

“It was great to get the result last week and there was some good things we can take out of the Italy clash,” Tierney said.

“This week sees another step up for the players in terms of opposition. Playing at home is a great plus for us and hopefully we will have a big Ashbourne crowd to make it a good atmosphere to help give those home supporters a good performance and a win.”

Ireland Women (v France):

15 – Niamh Briggs (UL Bohemian/ Munster) (Capt)
14 – Hannah Tyrrell (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)
13 – Jenny Murphy (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)
12 – Katie Fitzhenry (Blackrock/ Leinster)
11 – Alison Miller (Portlaoise/Connacht)
10 – Nora Stapleton (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)
9 – Larissa Muldoon (Skewen RFC)
1 – Ruth O’Reilly (Galwegians/ Connacht)
2 – Gillian Bourke (Olympico de Pozuelo RFC)
3 – Ailis Egan (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)
4 – Sophie Spence (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)
5 –Marie Louise Reilly (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)
6 – Paula Fitzpatrick (St Marys/ Leinster)
7 – Claire Molloy (Bristol/ Connacht)
8 – Heather O’Brien (Highfield/ Munster)

16 – Sarah Mimnagh (Wasps/Exiles)
17 – Fiona Hayes (UL Bohemian/ Munster)
18 – Fiona O’Brien (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)
19 – Orla Fitzsimons (St Marys/ Leinster)
20 – Katie Norris (Blackrock / Leinster)
21 – Tania Rosser (Blackrock/ Leinster)
22 – Jackie Shiels (Richmond/ Exiles)
23 – Sene Naoupu (Galwegians/Connacht).

Loosehead the only change as France take consistent selection to Ireland

Analysis: Who did what for Ireland in the rucks last weekend?