Ireland v Canada: Performance in World Cup warm-up more important than result – Brittany Hogan

Ireland back row Brittany Hogan says the performance in Saturday’s final World Cup warm-up against Canada is more important than the result.

Canada are ranked second in the world and Ireland head into the game in Belfast off the back of a 27-21 comeback win over Scotland.

Scott Bemand’s side will face Japan, Spain and New Zealand in Pool C at the tournament in England.

“At the end of the day with the result, it’s another warm-up game but it’s another stepping stone towards a successful World Cup,” said Hogan, who is one of 10 Ireland changes for the game in Belfast.

“We’re going to be looking for a performance, and if that puts us on the right or wrong side of the scoreboard it’s not the be all and end all.

“We need to make sure we go through our processes and play our game.”

Ireland lost 21-8 to the Canadians in Vancouver in October in WXV1, and Hogan said the Irish were left “very frustrated” in a match that was closer than the scoreline suggested.

“We’re under no illusions that this is going to be a hard-fought match,” added Hogan.

“We are going to have to earn every single inch against them, and they are a physically dominant team, but we just have to match that.

“We did that when we played against them in Canada in WXV1. It’s about bringing our game awareness, knowledge and tactics into it too.”

Former Ireland internationals Lindsay Peat, Claire Small and Fiona Hayes will join presenter Nicola McCarthy and commentator Oisin Langan in Belfast from 11:50 BST on BBC iPlayer & BBC Two NI.