No Changes for Ireland

For the third game running, Irish coach John O’Sullivan has kept faith with the same team as his charges prepare to host Scotland this weekend.

O’Sullivan has made no changes to both the starting team and the replacements bench to the sides who beat Italy and performed admirably in France in the opening two games.
Although many of Ireland’s substitutes have impressed when they’ve taken to the pitch in those games he is confident his chosen team can do the job against Scotland this Friday in Dublin.
"The team remains the same against Scotland on the back of two good performances in our first two games and we are looking for further improvement against this weekend. Undoubtedly competition for places is high and the decision to keep the team the same was not an easy one as several players when introduced in both our previous games have performed really well and are keeping the pressure on the starting fifteen."
Ireland have performed well this season with a fine win over Scotland followed by a brave showing in Paris and having beaten Scotland for the first time in the Six Nations last year they should be well on course for a second victory of the season in Dublin.
Scotland though won’t travel without motivation as they are looking for their first win after losses to Wales and France.

"We know and expect a very tough game against Scotland, they have a strong forward unit," O’Sullivan said.
"But we are continuing to improve and for us as a team it is important to win our home games but we know we have to remain focused and to be at our best to achieve this."
While Scotland are always strong up front, Ireland’s pack have been in fine form this season with the likes of second row Geri Healy impressing with two tries from two games and Ulster hooker Jess Limbert settling in well to the number two shirt.

Ireland team to play Scotland Friday February 22, St Mary’s RFC, 6pm KO

Sarahjane Belton (capt); Lynne Cantwell, Patrique Kelly, Shannon Houston, Grace Davitt; Joanne O’Sullivan, Tania Rosser; Fiona Coghlan, Jess Limbert, Marie Barrett, Caroline Mahon, Germaine Healy, Eimear O’Sullivan, Sinead Ryan, Orla Brennan.
Replacements: Gillian Bourke, Yvonne Nolan, Kate O’Loughlin, Louise Austin, Louise Beamish, Niamh Briggs, Amy Davis.