Ireland got their defence of the Six Nations Championship off to a winning start with a 21 – 3 defeat of Wales at Donnybrook Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The home sides tries came from Sene Naoupu and Sophie Spence but this was largely a forward battle with Ireland relying on their experienced pack to see them home.

Wales got off to a sprightly start with out half, Robyn Wilkins slotting over a penalty on the fourth minute to give the visitors a 3 – 0 lead. Niamh Briggs responded shortly after to level the game and from that point on the Irish pack pretty much dominated proceedings with Spence and Claire Molloy prominent.

I’d predicted the backs wouldn’t see much action but they managed to get their hands on the ball several times in the first half with Nikki Caughey and Naoupu breaking the line on several occasions. Indeed it was Naoupu who made the breakthrough on the 23rd minute following a yellow card for the Welsh prop Megan York. Briggs converted and Ireland led 10 – 3.

A Briggs counter attack led to Ireland’s second try with Briggs and Mairead Coyne combining for Coyne to be dragged down just short. The ball was recycled and Spence was on hand to crash over on the 35th minute. Briggs missed the conversion and the teams turned round with Ireland leading 15 – 3. 

The Irish pack continued to dominate proceedings in the second half but a determined Welsh rear guard restricted the scoring to two Briggs penalties, despite the final ten minutes being played almost exclusively in the Welsh 22.

Final Score: Ireland 21 Wales 3

Ireland Women: Niamh Briggs, Elise O’Byrne-White, Aine Donnelly, Sene Naoupu, Mairead Coyne, Nikki Caughey, Larissa Muldoon, Ailis Egan, Zoe Grattage, Ruth O’Reilly, Sophie Spence, Marie-Louise Reilly, Paula Fitzpatrick, Claire Molloy, Heather O’Brien. Replacements: Cliodhna Moloney, Lindsay Peat, Fiona Reidy, Ciara Cooney, Ciara Griffin, Mary Healy, Nora Stapleton, Jackie Shiels.

Gallery Below

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