Wounded Ireland seeking redemption against Wales

Breaking news from the world of sport: Wounded Ireland seeking redemption against WalesImage source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Ireland are ranked fifth in the world, while Wales are 12thByCeri Coleman-PhillipsBBC Sport WalesPublished29 minutes agoAfter a two-week break, the Women's Six Nations returns this weekend, with Ireland hosting Wales in Saturday's late kick-off (18:30 BST). Both suffered heavy defeats in the previous round against tournament favourites England and France - although Wales headed home by far the happier of the two sides. Ireland travelled to Clermont seeking revenge for their narrow World Cup quarter-final loss against Les Bleues but left empty-handed after failing to take chances.

Wales shipped the usual 60 points against England, but racked up a best ever score against the Red Roses, claiming four tries and a bonus point. Ireland have said they will target their final two home games as they seek to consolidate their 'best of the rest' tag, while for Wales any win will do as they look to avoid a third consecutive Wooden Spoon and a ninth straight loss in the tournament. On paper, Ireland are clear favourites, but Wales showed a doggedness against England which proved they are no pushovers.

Match Details

If they can stay in the fight it promises to be a good contest. Ireland v WalesGuinness Women's Six NationsSaturday 9 May, kick-off 18:30 BSTAffidea Stadium, Belfast 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 onlineTeam newsDespite the disappointment of round three, Ireland have stuck to their guns in their team selection. There is just one starting change, with the experienced Eve Higgins coming back into the centre in place of Nancy McGillivray.

Uncapped back Niamh Gallagher is poised to make her senior debut from the bench, having impressed for Ireland Under-21s in recent weeks. Wales have made three starting changes. Carys Cox is back fit and back in the midfield, while Hannah Dallavalle, usually a centre, is named on the wing in place of Seren Singleton.

Gwen Crabb, who tops the table for tournament turnovers, took a knock in training and is rested as a precaution. It paves the way for Georgia Evans to make her first start of the campaign in the second row alongside Branwen Metcalfe, with Jorja Aiono switching to the back row. Nikita Prothero is set to become Lynn's ninth debutant from the bench, while Natalia John is in line for a half century of caps.

Higgins returns for Ireland to face Wales Published1 day agoThree changes in Wales starting XV to face Ireland Published1 day agoView from the camps"Every game in this tournament has seen us build another layer of the team we aspire to be and we expect to come away from Ireland having done the same," said Wales head coach Sean Lynn.

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