Ireland name seven changes for Spain clash to push World Cup bid

Ireland head coach Scott Bemand made seven changes to his starting XV as Ireland prepare to face Spain at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton on Sunday, a match that could secure the Irish side a place in the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals. Kickoff is at 12:00 BST and the game will be shown live on RTÉ2 and BBC Two.

Bemand described his selection as an attempt to strike a balance between maintaining momentum after last weekend’s 42-14 win over Japan and managing his squad ahead of next week’s headline clash with holders New Zealand. The changes include two World Cup starts for Molly ScuffilMcCabe at scrumhalf and Claire Boles at openside, with Ellena Perry handed her first start in the front row. Linda Djougang is set to win her 50th Test cap, becoming the 15th woman to reach that mark for Ireland.

"We have the blend right of team and physical capability across the board," Bemand said, adding that players had "competed their way" into selection. He stressed the objective is clear: secure the quarterfinal berth at the first possible opportunity. Captain Sam Monaghan, who will lead from the second row, said past setbacks have been a motivator rather than a burden. "There was a lot of...