Women’s Rugby World Cup: Ireland’s Stacey Flood ready to switch it up against New Zealand

Ireland’s Stacey Flood says she will be ready to put her “best foot forward” if asked to move to out-half during Sunday’s Pool C decider against New Zealand.

Selected at full-back, Flood is the most likely candidate to switch to the half-back role should starter Dannah O’Brien be unable to finish the game as neither Enya Breen nor Nicole Fowley are named among the replacements.

A former Gaelic footballer with a strong left boot, Flood has experience in the number 10 jersey. Although she hopes a change of position during Sunday’s game with the Black Ferns is not required, she will be ready to go if called upon.

“Dannah is such an incredible player, you never know what her next move will be,” Flood said.

“Hopefully she keeps steering the ship and it won’t be needed, but if it is, we have contingency plans for everything and I can put the best foot forward. I have the girls around me, so you’re not there alone and have to make all the decisions.”

Flood has experience of taking on the Black Ferns as part of the Ireland sevens team and also in rugby’s traditional format.

Although aware of what threats the defending champions bring, she insists Ireland must focus on getting their own game right.

“New Zealand are known for their running game and those girls are great at that,” Flood added.

“It’s about seeing what they are good at and how we can counter that. But it’s also about focusing on the game we want to play, which I think we have done in parts in the last two games.

“They are a world-class side and contenders, so you can’t put that to the side either, but the last stop is with us.”