There are three changes to the starting XV which lost to France last weekend, with World Cup winners La Toya Mason and Emma Croker set to run out at The Stoop, accompanied by Justin Lucas who replaces the injured Laura Keates.

Bemand said: “The girls are excited to be running out on Saturday for the second weekend in a row against what will be a tough match against Ireland. In the last game we were able to create a number of opportunities against France but unfortunately just a little bit of composure cost us.  But the fact that we’re creating those opportunities means the girls are growing in confidence.”

“This is a group that have been together since the tour of Canada in the summer so we are building nicely. We are starting to see the quality coming through in the younger players coupled with the experience of the older ones which is great to see. It’s another great opportunity for them to perform in a test match environment.

Sarah Mckenna; Katie Mason, Lauren Cattell, Ceri Large, Charlotte Clapp; Emily Scott, La Toya Mason; Rochelle Clarke, Emma Croker , Justine Lucas , Tamara Taylor, Abbie Scott, Hannah Gallagher, Marlie Packer, Sarah Hunter (C)

Replacements: Amy Cokayne, Vicki Cornborough, Heather Kerr, Harriet Millar-Mills, Izzy Noel-Smith, Leanne Riley, Rachel Lund, Ruth Laybourn

For tickets visit www.quins.co.uk

England Women beat Ireland in close encounter

England’s Izzy Noel-Smith scored a late try to snatch victory against Ireland in a tight game on a wet and windy night at Twickenham Stoop.

A tight game of rugby in heavy rain meant there were few scoring opportunities which put emphasis on the defensive resilience of both sides.

Despite the poor conditions England centre Lauren Cattel gave the home side an early lead from the kicking tee which carried them into half time 3-0 up.

The home side found themselves under pressure for a large parts of the second half and that increased when hooker Emma Croker received a yellow card for repeated infringements around the breakdown.

Heroic defence from England pushed the visitors back from the try line despite having 14 players on the pitch and the tireless work from flanker Marlie Packer and scrum-half La Toya Mason maintained an organised defence.

Despite missing her first attempt at goal, Ireland full-back Niamh Briggs slotted a long distance penalty to level the scores with 10 minutes left on the clock.

However England's composure shone through and they found themselves with an attacking lineout on the Irish five meter line with only a few minutes until full time.

A well-worked set piece secured the ball for England allowing substitute Izzy Noel-Smith to drive over the line for the only try of the match.

A missed conversion from out wide left a five point lead but there was not enough time for Ireland to strike back and the final whistle blew giving England Women a well-earned victory.