Ireland Claim Second Home Victory in Women’s Six Nations
Ireland secured their second home win of the Women's Six Nations campaign with a 33-12 bonus-point victory over Wales at Affidea Stadium. The match featured tries from Aoife Wafer (2), Beibhinn Parsons, and Brittany Hogan (2), with Dannah O'Brien successfully converting four of the five tries. Wales responded with tries from Georgia Evans and Jasmine Joyce, with Keira Bevan converting one.
Scott Bemand emphasized the significance of rebounding after Ireland's defeat to France in Clermont two weeks prior, setting a target of winning their remaining two home matches in the tournament.
During a fast-paced first half, Wafer, Parsons, and Hogan crossed the try line to establish a 19-7 lead for Ireland. Wafer continued her strong performance in the second half, securing the bonus point amid a disrupted period that included a yellow card for each team and a disallowed try for Neve Jones. Hogan sealed the victory with a second try in the final moments.
This win marked Ireland's third victory in four games held in Belfast and positioned them well ahead of their concluding fixture against Scotland, which is expected to draw a record crowd at the Aviva Stadium.
Ireland Grow Into the Game and Finish Strong
Wafer’s two tries highlighted her standout performance for Ireland.
Despite Wales entering the match with confidence after scoring a record four tries against world champions England in their previous game, they began strongly in Belfast. However, Wafer broke the deadlock for Ireland with a determined effort, forcing her way over the line. Dannah O'Brien added the conversion to give Ireland an early lead.
Wales sought an immediate response, with Beibhinn Parsons delivering a crucial tackle to deny Hannah Dallavalle after Carys Cox capitalized on a defensive error to create an opportunity. Wales maintained pressure and scored their first try when Georgia Evans dove over from close range, with Keira Bevan converting to level the score.
A double movement ruled out a try by Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald after she powered over the line. As the home side settled, Wafer showcased her skill by evading multiple defenders before delivering an excellent offload to Parsons, who sprinted down the right wing to restore Ireland’s lead.
Just before halftime, Ireland capitalized on sustained pressure at a ruck to score their third try through Hogan, extending their advantage.
Second Half Disruptions and Ireland’s Bonus Point
Following the restart, a television match official (TMO) review confirmed that Moloney-MacDonald’s kick out on Evans warranted a yellow card for Wales. Despite having a numerical advantage, Wales could not capitalize, as Jasmine Joyce was also yellow-carded for placing her hands on the ground while tackling Eve Higgins, resulting in a period where both teams played with 14 players.
Approaching the hour mark, Aoife Dalton and Linda Djougang combined effectively to set up Wafer, who crossed to secure Ireland’s bonus point. Coach Bemand introduced several substitutions, injecting fresh energy into the team.
Neve Jones, coming off the bench, appeared to score Ireland’s fifth try shortly after entering the field, but the effort was overturned after a TMO review. Wales added a second try late in the match through Joyce, who held off Parsons to ground the ball.
In the final seconds, Hogan powered over for Ireland’s fifth try, with O'Brien converting her fourth successful kick of the afternoon to complete the scoring.
Team Line-Ups
Ireland: Flood; Parsons, Dalton, Higgins, O'Connor; O'Brien, Lane; Perry, Moloney-MacDonald, Djougang, Wall, Tuite, Hogan, King (capt), Wafer
Replacements: Jones, McGrath, Cahill, Campbell, Monaghan, Moore, Whelan, Gallagher
Wales: Powell; Dallavalle, Cox, Keight, J Joyce; George, Bevan; Pyrs, Jones, Tuipulotu, Metcalfe, Evans, Aiono, Lewis (capt), King
Replacements: Reardon, Davies, Rose, John, A Joyce, Lockwood, Bell, Prothero
