Ireland make two changes for match against England

Ireland have made two changes to their starting XV for Saturdays Womens Six Nations game against England at Twickenham as centre Aoife Dalton and second row Hannah OConnor come in.

Enya Breen drops to the bench with co-captain Sam Monaghan not included in the matchday squad for the game.

"Sams just not fully recovered. She hasnt hit her markers to be ready," said Ireland coach Declan Danaher.

"It gives Hannah an opportunity to step in which is brilliant."

"It just shows the depth of the squad," added the defence coach, who explained that Monaghan would be joining the squad for the trip to London.

Full-back Meabh Deely is drafted in as a replacement by head coach Scott Bemand.

Ireland are aiming to build on their impressive 36-5 win over Wales in Cork last weekend

That first victory of the campaign for the Irish, after defeats by France and Italy, saw them move up to third place in the standings but Bemand knows a tough test awaits against the defending champions and table-toppers.

"We get another chance to perform as a group, in a great stadium with a big crowd. We are building some momentum in training and games. This is the kind of test we want, against the best out there," said Bemand.

"We want these occasions to be the norm and our players are excited by the opportunity in front of them. Judging by training intent and competition for selection, the players are ready."

Ireland: Lauren Delany; Katie Corrigan, Eve Higgins, Aoife Dalton, Beibhinn Parsons; Dannah OBrien, Aoibheann Reilly; Linda Djougang, Neve Jones, Christy Haney; Dorothy Wall, Hannah OConnor; Aoife Wafer, Edel McMahon, Brittany Hogan.

Replacements: Cliodhna Moloney, Niamh ODowd, Sadhbh McGrath, Fiona Tuite, Shannon Ikahihifo, Molly Scuffil-McCabe, Enya Breen, Meabh Deely