Scrum-half Cronin handed debut as Ireland make 7 changes for Japan

NICOLE CRONIN WILL make her 15s international debut against Japan as Ireland look to make it two wins from two at the Women’s Rugby World Cup (Belfield Bowl, Sunday, 5.15pm).

With just three days’ rest after Wednesday’s hard-fought win over Australia, Tom Tierney has rotated his side, with Cronin coming in as one of seven changes.

Mairead Coyne starts at full-back and Katie Fitzhenry is at outside centre while there are four more changes up front.

Ciara O’Connor comes in at tighthead in front of a new-look second row of Ciara Cooney and Sophie Spence, with Ciara Griffin – who impressed from the bench against Australia – starting at blindside flanker.

“We know that the Japanese are going to throw everything at us tomorrow evening,” Tierney said.

“They’re very fit, they like to move the ball wide and they are very quick to the break down.

“We’ve made a number of changes to the side from the Australia game with a view to giving some players a rest from what was a very physical game, but we also want to give the other members of the squad the opportunity to show what they can do against a fast and agile Japanese team.”