Jackie Shiels back in the Ireland midfield

Centre returns in place of the injured Katie Fitzhenry for Sunday’s match in Wales

Jackie Shiels has been named in the Ireland starting line-up against Wales.
Jackie Shiels has been named in the Ireland starting line-up against Wales.

Jackie Shiels returns to the Ireland midfield to face Wales at Swansea RFC on Sunday (kick-off 12pm) as Katie Fitzhenry has been ruled out with an ankle injury.

Shannon's Aoife Doyle is added to the bench as Shiels renews her centre partnership with Jenny Murphy.

Ireland can still win the Six Nations title but need unbeaten France to lose to Italy on Saturday or at Twickenham a week later. They must also overcome Wales and a points differential of 45.

Ireland beat Italy 30-5 in Florence in round one, losing 10-5 to France before an 11-8 defeat of world champions England at Ashbourne RFC on February 27th.

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"It was great to get a win against England a fortnight ago, and has left us in a good position for the final two rounds of the championship, but we are always looking for improvements," said Ireland coach Tom Tierney.

“We are not underestimating Wales, they are a strong side and we have no doubt they will bring their all with them for the home crowd. If we do the small things right we will be in good shape.”

Ireland:N Briggs (UL Bohemian, capt); H Tyrrell (Old Belvedere); J Murphy (Old Belvedere), J Shiels (Richmond), A Miller (Portlaoise); N Stapleton (Old Belvedere), L Muldoon (Skewen RFC); R O'Reilly (Galwegians), G Bourke (Olympico de Pozuelo RFC), A Egan (Old Belvedere); S Spence (Old Belvedere), ML Reilly (Old Belvedere); P Fitzpatrick (St Marys), C Molloy (Bristol), H O'Brien (Highfield). Replacements: S Mimnagh (Wasps), F Hayes (UL Bohemian), F O'Brien (Old Belvedere), O Fitzsimons (St Marys), K Norris (Blackrock), T Rosser (Blackrock),S Naoupu (Galwegians), Aoife Doyle (Shannon).

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey is The Irish Times' Soccer Correspondent