Hugh Hogan: WXV squad places up for grabs v Australia

Ireland assistant Hugh Hogan has called on his side to take their opportunity to impress in this Saturday's Test against Australia in Belfast.

The Ireland women’s team welcome the Wallaroos to Ravenhill to mark the beginning of the IRFU’s 150th anniversary celebrations, with this game serving as a warm-up for Scott Bemand’s side ahead of their WXV campaign in Vanvcouver later this month.

A group of 35 players, plus an additional five training panellists have been in camp over the last week, with that squad set to be trimmed down to 30 before they depart for the WXV, where they will face world champions New Zealand, as well as Canada and the USA.

Hogan says the Ireland caching ticket are keeping an open mind when it comes to selection.

"There definitely will be an evolution, I think we saw some young players come in and have a really good impact in the Interpro series, so they are here on merit," he said.

"They've trained well and the selection will merit that. It's been incredibly competitive, and that's where we want to get to.

"For any team to be successful we need to build depth. To get into a training squad is competitive, we had four weeks of quality Interpro games, so to actually pick the panel was difficult.

"To narrow that for a 23 this Saturday, or a 30 that travels [to Vancouver] will definitely be tough.

"We have a selection meeting today where we will look at the group that's going to play against Australia. That doesn't mean they will travel, it means they have an opportunity.

"It's part of the mantra of the group that we want to compete, so every training session is a chance to compete. When you take to the field in an Ireland jersey, you're competing for your country."

The newly-appointed defence coach confirmed