Ireland vs England Women's Six Nations 2024: Team Changes, Tactical Preview & Match Analysis

Team Announcement & Key Changes

Ireland head coach Scott Bemand has made three tactical adjustments to his starting XV following their dominant 36-5 victory over Italy in Round 2 of the Guinness Women's Six Nations. The changes come ahead of their toughest challenge yet - facing world-class England at Virgin Media Park, Cork.

Forwards Reshuffle

Brittany Hogan (Ulster) returns to the back row alongside recalled flanker Dorothy Wall, who moves to lock after her impactful bench appearance against Italy.
Ruth Campbell makes way in the second row as Wall partners Hannah Tuite in an athletic locking duo.
Emily Lane earns the starting scrum-half role after Aoibheann Reilly's impressive performance against Italy, showing Bemand's emphasis on rotational strategy.

Leadership & Backline

With captain Edel McMahon sidelined by injury:

Dynamic winger Amee-Leigh Costigan will captain Ireland for the first time
Hat-trick hero Anna McGann retains her wing position after starring against Italy
Center partnership Enya Breen (injured) and Vicky Elmes Kinlan (bench) sees reshuffling

Match Context

Venue: Virgin Media Park, Cork (capacity 8,008)
Date: Saturday, 12 April 2024
Kick-off: 16:45 BST
Broadcast: Live on BBC Two, iPlayer, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Tactical Preview

Ireland's Evolution

Though Ireland suffered a record 88-10 defeat to England in 2023, Bemand emphasizes his squad has developed "considerably better" defensive structures and attacking variety. Key areas to watch:

Battle Zone	Ireland Edge	England Strength
Lineout	Wall/Tuite jumping	Poise under pressure
Breakdown	Hogan's pilfering	Dominant cleanouts
Backfield	McGann's pace	Defensive positioning

England's Challenge

The Red Roses bring their trademark physicality bolstered by:

92% ruck retention rate in 2024 tournament
Average 6.2 linebreaks per match
12 tries scored in first two rounds

Historic Context

Last Ireland win vs England: 2015 (13-9 in Ashbourne)
Average score last 5 meetings: England by 38 points
Cork hosting its first Women's Six Nations match since 2019

Predicted Outcome

Pundits expect England's forward power to ultimately prevail, but Ireland's revamped defensive system could make this significantly more competitive than recent encounters. A losing bonus point would represent progress for Bemand's rebuilding project.

Follow all the action live on BBC platforms with pre-match analysis starting at 16:00 BST.