O'Sullivan has faith in original selection

Women's International: Coach John O'Sullivan remains upbeat about Ireland achieving their highest finish in a Six Nations Championship.

Women's International: Ireland v Scotland Venue: Templeville Road Kick-off: 6.0

O'Sullivan has made no changes to both the starting team and the replacements bench, keeping faith with the 22 players who beat Italy in the opening game and performed admirably in France before losing 26-17 in St Gratien.

"The team remains the same against Scotland on the back of two good performances and we are looking for further improvement against this weekend," said the coach. "The decision to keep the team the same was not an easy one as several players, when introduced, have performed really well and are keeping the pressure on the starting 15."

Having beaten Scotland for the first time in the Six Nations last year, Ireland will be confident of a second victory of the season. Scotland are looking for their first win after losses to Wales and France.

Ireland's forwards have been in fine form with secondrow Geri Healy impressing with two tries in two games. Captain Sarah Jane Belton is a steadying figure at fullback while the pace of right wing Lynne Cantwell has been a feature of Ireland's attack.

IRELAND : S Belton (capt); L Cantwell, P Kelly, S Houston, G Davitt; J O'Sullivan, T Rosser; F Coghlan, J Limbert, M Barrett, C Mahon, G Healy, E O'Sullivan, S Ryan, O Brennan. Replacements : G Bourke, Y Nolan, K O'Loughlin, L Austin, L Beamish, N Briggs, A Davis.

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times