Monaghan to start for Ireland against Scotland

Breaking news from the world of sport: Monaghan to start for Ireland against Scotland Image source, InphoImage caption, Monaghan has 30 caps for Ireland ByJana McCabeBBC Sport NI journalistPublished2 hours agoSecond row Sam Monaghan will make her first start of this Six Nations in the only change to Ireland's XV for Sunday's final game against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium. Monaghan replaces Dorothy Wall, who is among the replacements, in the sole alteration from the 33-12 win over Wales in Belfast. The former co-captain was on the bench for the past three Six Nations matches after missing the opening game against England due to injury and will earn her 31st cap on Sunday.

Scott Bemand's side are aiming to complete the campaign unbeaten at home when they welcome Scotland to the Aviva, in what is set to be a record crowd of more than 30,000 and the first standalone women's rugby match at the venue. Scotland have lost their past three fixtures and sit fifth in the table, five points behind Ireland in third. "It's been an absolute pleasure to have an hour and a half conversation discussing who is in your engine room," Bemand said.

Match Details

We've moved to a point now where we have got genuine competition for who can start, who can come on and bring impact off the bench. "We're at the level now that we're starting to consider who we're playing against and what best fit for how we think the game is going to pattern out. "Ireland v Scotland Guinness Women's Six NationsSunday 17 May, kick-off 14:30 BSTAviva Stadium, Dublin Watch on iPlayer Listen on SoundsWatch every match live on iPlayer and the Sport website and app; listen to match commentaries on Radio 5 Live, Sports Extra and Sounds; follow live text and match highlights onlineBemand has named an unchanged backline with Stacey Flood, Beibhinn Parsons and Robyn O'Connor the back three.

In midfield, Eve Higgins and Aoife Dalton start as Emily Lane partners Dannah O'Brien at half-back. In the front row, Ellena Perry, Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald and Linda Djougang all are set to register their fifth consecutive start this Championship, with Monaghan coming in to join Fiona Tuite. After scoring two tries against Wales, Brittany Hogan is selected at flanker, captain Erin King remains at openside and Aoife Wafer will wear the number eight jersey.

On the bench, Bemand has reverted to a 5:3 split with forwards Neve Jones, Sadhbh McGrath, Eilis Cahill, Dorothy Wall and Ruth Campbell on the bench alongside backs Katie Whelan, Vicky Elmes Kinlan and Niamh Gallagher. "We're pretty well stocked," Bemand continued. "We've gone back to a 5:3 this week and that's because of how we think the game will go.

"We're desperate to see Vicky Elms-Kinlan come on and bring her power game to the party. We're well stocked in that. "Line-upIreland: Flood; Parsons, Dalton, Higgins, O'Connor; O'Brien, Lane; Perry, Moloney-MacDonald, Djougang, Monaghan, Tuite, Hogan, King (capt), Wafer.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.