Written 3 months ago by Will O'Callaghan

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Laois’ Alison Miller will win her 37th cap when she lines out on the wing for Ireland in their women’s Rugby World Cup Pool C opener against Australia at a sold-out UCD.

Claire Molloy will captain Ireland from openside flanker in the 7pm kick-off.

Lindsay Peat, Cliodhna Moloney and Ailis Egan form the front-row with Marie-Louise Reilly and Paula Fitzpatrick the locks.

Ashleigh Baxter and Heather O’Brien join Molloy in the back-row.

Larissa Muldoon and Nora Stapleton are the half-backs with Jenny Murphy and Sene Naoupu in midfield.

Miller and Eimear Considine are on the wings with Hannah Tyrrell selected to start at full-back.

2015 World Player of the Year nominee Sophie Spence is among the replacements.

Japan and France are also in the group with only the top team assured of a place in the knock-out stage later this month.

Image – INPHO/Dan Sheridan

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