Ireland Women Target Semi Final Spot

Ireland Women’s Head Coach Philip Doyle has named his first XV to face Kazakhstan tomorrow, 9th August in France (kick-off 12pm Irish time) which includes four Munster players.

Munster prop Fiona Hayes comes in at loosehead and joins her UL Bohs’ colleague, hooker Gillian Bourke in the front row.

Laura Guest, who featured in the latter stages of last Tuesday’s historic win over the Black Ferns has been named in the second row along with Siobhán Fleming who makes her second start for Ireland in Pool ‘B’ at flanker.

Ireland are currently placed on top of their Pool on 8 points and are guaranteed a spot in the semi-final for the first time in World Cup history should they overcome Kazakhstan.

To view all World Cup Pools click here

Speaking ahead of the test, head coach Philip Doyle said "Tuesday's win against New Zealand was fantastic and really showed what this team can do. However, it was one game and we still have a lot of rugby to play”

This World Cup is, and always has been about our 26 player squad, and we are in a great position that we can use fresh players to maintain our standards and performances to date.

Kazakhstan are a hugely physical side and we are not underestimating them, they will not be overcome easily.

This game will be televised live on TG4 and on Sky Sports.

To tweet your message of support for the Ireland Women you can use the hashtag #shouldertoshoulder

Ireland Women v Kazakhstan
15. Jackie Shiels (Richmond RFC/Exile)
14. Vikki McGinn (Blackrock/Leinster)
13. Lynne Cantwell (Richmond RFC/Exile) Capt
12. Grace Davitt (Cooke/Ulster)
11. Hannah Casey (Saracens/Exiles)
10. Tania Rosser (Blackrock/Leinster)
9. Larissa Muldoon (Bristol/Exile)
1. Fiona Hayes (UL Bohemians/Munster)
2. Gillian Bourke (UL Bohemians/Munster)
3. Kerrie Ann Craddock (Saracens/Exiles)
4. Laura Guest (Highfield/Munster)
5. Orla Fitzsimons (St Mary's College/Leinster)
6. Sharon Lynch (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
7. Siobhan Fleming (Tralee/Munster)
8. Paula Fitzpatrick (St Mary's/Leinster)

Replacements
16. Fiona Coghlan (UL Bohemians/Leinster)
17. Ailis Egan (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
18. Sophie Spence (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
19. Claire Molloy (Bristol/Connacht)
20. Nora Stapleton (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
21. Alison Miller (Portlaoise/Connacht)
22. Ashleigh Baxter (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)