Sam Monaghan will start in the second row for Ireland's women's rugby team in the Six Nations finale against Scotland this Sunday [1, 3].
Monaghan's inclusion represents the only change to the starting XV made by coach Scott Bemand [1, 4]. This selection aims to strengthen the second row and provides Monaghan with her first start in the Six Nations tournament [1, 3].
The match will take place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin [1, 5]. Interest in the fixture is high, with more than 30,000 tickets sold for the event [2] and approximately 30,000 fans expected to attend [1].
Ireland enters the final match following a strong performance last week in Belfast, where they beat Wales 33-13 [3]. The team is now aiming to secure three wins in the 2026 Six Nations [4].
Monaghan replaces Wall in the lineup to finalize the squad for the historic clash [4]. The decision to maintain stability in the other 14 positions suggests a reliance on the momentum gained from the previous victory over Wales [3].
“Sam Monaghan will make her first Six Nations start”
The selection of Sam Monaghan for her first start in the tournament finale indicates a strategic move by coach Scott Bemand to optimize the second row for a high-stakes match. With a record-breaking crowd expected at Aviva Stadium, the result against Scotland will determine if Ireland can reach their goal of three tournament victories, marking a significant step in the growth and competitiveness of the women's national team.
