Ireland want fast start against Spain - Muldoon

Larissa Muldoon would not rule out taking the head coach role in the future should the opportunity arise

Women's Rugby World Cup - Pool C: Ireland v Spain

Venue: Franklin's Gardens, Northampton Date: Sunday, 31 August Kick-off: 12:00 BST

Coverage: Live on BBC Two, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sport website and app.

Ireland assistant coach Larissa Muldoon says her team will seek to "start fast" when they take on Spain in their second Pool C game on Sunday.

In last week's opener, Ireland made an excellent start against Japan with three early tries and they will be hoping for something similar in Northampton to build a platform for victory which would seal a place in the last eight with a game to spare.

Spain suffered a 54-8 loss to New Zealand in their opener, but it was only in the second half when the Black Ferns were able to fully pull away.

In Ireland's failed attempt to qualify for the 2021 World Cup, they suffered an 8-7 defeat to 'Las Leonas' and two years ago in WXV3, pipped Spain 15-13, so there is no overconfidence in the Irish camp with Muldoon identifying some key areas Ireland must get right.

"They are fit, fast and have really good ball skills," the Donegal native told BBC Sport NI.

"They also have really good kicking skills, so we know about their key threats there. They've also got key players who love the breakdown, so for us it's about winning the breakdown and getting back into the game.

"They've a really good pack and some of the finishers coming on have a lot of experience. It's great to know all your threats going into war, but the last few days has been all about us and how we implement our game.

"We want to start fast and be proud of our first 40-minute performance and then give our other players an opportunity."

Wafer a possibility for New Zealand game

Aoife Wafer remains absent as the Women's Six Nations Player of the Tournament recovers from a knee injury, but "she is tracking really well and a decision will be made next week" regarding her availability for the New Zealand according to Muldoon.

There are no late injury concerns going into Sunday's game despite Ireland making seven changes from last week's opening win which Muldoon feels is a sign of strength in the squad.

"We have a team ethos about training to compete and every player has earned that right to compete," she said.

"Everybody has earned their right so hopefully we get to see what they can bring on a world stage."

Muldoon won 48 caps as a player for Ireland but is now firmly part of Scott Bemand's coaching team and has aspirations to continue to progress in her coaching career.

"I would never say never," she said when asked if the head coach role is a possibility down the line.

"I'm aware I have transitioned and started very young playing for Ireland. I've loved the transition, being able to give back and see the development of this squad over the last couple of years. If I'm good enough then hopefully, but I'll just keep trying to gain that experience."