Ireland head coach Scott Bemand has announced a key change to his starting XV for the Women's Six Nations home game against Wales at the Affidea Stadium on Saturday. Eve Higgins steps in for Nancy McGillivray, who is excluded from the matchday squad, marking the only alteration from the recent 26-7 defeat to France two weeks ago.

Higgins previously featured in the opening 33-12 loss to England and came off the bench during the significant 57-20 victory over Italy. After a tournament break, Ireland aims to secure their second home win of the campaign.

Wales, on the other hand, seeks their first victory after suffering defeats against Scotland, France, and England.

Bemand emphasized the importance of the upcoming matches, stating:

The next two games are massive for us, starting with Wales. Not just to win three games at home, but to put a performance out there, a performance that shows we are moving and that people can get on the back of.

Key players for Ireland include:

• Stacey Flood at full-back
• Beibhinn Parsons on the right wing
• Robyn O'Connor on the left wing
• Aoife Dalton partnering Higgins in midfield
• Dannah O'Brien and Emily Lane in the half-backs, with Lane having three try assists this tournament.

The unchanged front row consists of Ellena Perry, Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald, and Linda Djougang, while Dorothy Wall and Fiona Tuite form the second row. The back row features Aoife Wafer, captain Erin King, and Brittany Hogan.

Bemand has opted for a 6:2 split on the bench, with Sadh McGrath and Grace Moore returning, and 20-year-old Niamh Gallagher set to make her debut.

Bemand added insight on Wales:

Wales have scored seven of eight tries through their driving maul so we know there is going to be a pretty feisty battle up front with the pack. He expressed confidence in the team's strategy, noting Gallagher's impressive training performance and well-rounded skill set.