Ireland ring the changes for Kazakhstan match

Coach Philip Doyle mixes and matches for final Pool B game tomorrow

Tania Rosser’s versatility allows the Blackrock veteran move from scrumhalf to outhalf. Photograph: Dan Sheridan/Inpho
Tania Rosser’s versatility allows the Blackrock veteran move from scrumhalf to outhalf. Photograph: Dan Sheridan/Inpho

It's a necessary risk but Ireland coach Philip Doyle has dramatically altered his team to face Kazakhstan in tomorrow's final Pool B match in Marcoussis.

Having to consider Ireland will almost certainly be playing a World Cup semi-final at Stade Jean Bouin next Wednesday, Doyle retains only five players from the starting XV that defeated New Zealand 17-14 last Tuesday.

It means Lynne Cantwell has the honour of captaining Ireland as her midfield partnership with Grace Davitt is the only unchanged combination.

Tania Rosser's versatility allows the Blackrock veteran move from scrumhalf to outhalf and that means Larissa Muldoon gets a chance to stake her claim at nine.

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In the pack, hooker Gillian Bourke keeps trucking along with Paula Fitzpatrick, who moves from blindside flanker to number eight.

The only injury enforced absence is Heather O’Brien but the Cork backrow still has a chance of recovering from a finger injury having rejoined the squad after an operation in Dublin.

In case of emergency, the bench can provide genuine impact in Fiona Coghlan, Sophie Spence, Claire Molloy and Ali Miller.

Ireland (v Kazakhstan, Marcoussis, 12pm Irish time): 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)

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey is The Irish Times' Soccer Correspondent