Ireland coach Philip Doyle has made four changes to his side for tonight's IRB Women's Rugby World Cup clash against the USA (Ellerslie Rugby Park, Edmonton, kick-off 7pm, Irish time).

There are three changes in the pack from the team which was overpowered by France last Thursday and one change in the backline. Tonight's tie takes on huge significance for both teams who have yet to register a win at the tournament with the Americans being beaten 18-0 by England on the opening day.

Given the huge set-piece difficulties Ireland encountered against the French, and having seen how physical the Americans were against England despite their loss, Doyle has dropped two of his front row - prop Marie Barrett and hooker Jean Lonergan - to the bench, in favour of Yvonne
Nolan, who makes her first Irish start in the number two jersey, and experienced Ulster prop Gillian McAllister.

Leinster flanker Orla Brennan reclaims the number six jersey from Eimear O'Sullivan while Connacht winger Nuala Ni Chadhain has been replaced by Amanda Greensmith. The changes up front should give Ireland a more physical presence against an American team who beat them 25-10 in Limerick last January in a Six Nations warm-up game.

Ireland's noon kick-off means that they are less likely to be as affected, as other teams will, by the soaring temperatures in Edmonton which are expected to reach up to 30 degrees during the late afternoon.

Defending champions New Zealand also play at noon when they square up to Samoa. Other games to be played later in the day see Scotland face Kazakhstan, England meet South Africa, Australia play France, while Spain will attempt to beat host nation Canada.

Ireland's game will be streamed live as a webcast on www.rwcwomens.com, there will also be a live match tracker on IrishRugby.ie.

IRELAND (v USA): Joanne O'Sullivan; Jeanette Feighery, Lynne Cantwell, Grace Davitt, Amanda Greensmith; Sarahjane Belton (capt), Tania Rosser; Fiona Coghlan, Yvonne Nolan, Gillian McAllister, Caroline Mahon, Geramine Healy, Orla Brennan, Rachel Boyd, Joy Neville.

Replacements: Jean Lonergan, Marie Barrett, Rosie Foley, Eimear O'Sullivan, Louise Beamish, Nuala Ni Chadhain, Sam Houston.