Ireland bounced back for a second win in this year’s Guinness Women’s Six Nations thanks to a 14-40 victory away in Wales on Saturday. The world class Aoife Wafer was Player of the Match but it was an impressive Irish showing on the road.
Ahead of a shootout for 3rd spot next weekend, here’s our main takeaways from the clash in Newport.
Pragmatism works
Despite the fine weather and fast playing track in Rodney Parade, Ireland’s forward dominance was a reminder that pragmatic rugby is still the go-to in championship matches. Ireland came barnstorming out of the gates only to be hoisted by their own petard, making countless sloppy handling errors.
However, as the game progressed, Ireland leaned on their powerful pack. Prop Linda Djougang, second-row Dorothy Wall and back row forwards Edel McMahon and Aoife Wafer were prominent carriers, winning their individual collisions consistently, and getting Ireland into scoring range.
20 April 2025; Dorothy Wall of Ireland during the Women’s Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Wales and Ireland at Rodney Parade in Newport, Wales. Photo by Kian Abdullah/Sportsfile
Stacey Flood is a difference maker at 15
The pack fronted up, and the backline were given a platform to attack from. The in-form Stacey Flood was the pick of the bunch out wide, adding a new dimension to Ireland’s attack.
The surprise retirement of Eimear Considine late last year could have been flagged as a major blow, but Flood has made the #15 shirt her own across the Six Nations. The natural footballer was brilliant in phase play and broken field running, ratcheting up an impressive 17 carries, and causing Wales difficulties on every touch.
Edel McMahon back to her best
Another player to put down a confident boosting performance in green was captain Edel McMahon. After an injury hit campaign, McMahon made up for the cruel loss of Erin King midweek.
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McMahon was an early substitution for Ireland, but not before a stellar opening half. In total, ‘Tricky’ amounted for 12 carries and 6 passes in a busy showing.
Aoife Dalton is this year’s “bolter”
20 April 2025; Aoife Dalton of Ireland Women during the Women’s Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Wales and Ireland at Rodney Parade in Newport, Wales. Photo by Kian Abdullah/Sportsfile
2024 belonged to Aoife, and 2025 to a different Aoife. From Wafer to Dalton, it’s been an exciting passing of the baton from two young players stepping up at test level.
The 21-year-old centre has fast become one of the most important players for Scott Bemand’s squad, and combined excellently with Enya Breen this time around. Dalton’s mix of agility and power through contact makes her a tough challenge for any defending midfielder.
Defensive effort highlights exemplary attitude
There are so many positives to be taken from Ireland’s second win of the championship, and their desire on defence was a standout yet again.
Against both Wales and Italy, Ireland were caused little to no stress without the ball. Even with the result in the bag, Ireland were determined not to be dragged into a free-flowing circus clash; instead oozed composure.
Possible Ireland 23 for Scotland:
15 Stacey Flood; 14 Anna McGann, 13 Aoife Dalton, 12 Enya Breen 11 Amee-Leigh Costigan; 10 Dannah O’Brien, 9 Molly Scuffil-McCabe; 1 Niamh O’Dowd, 2 Neve Jones, 3 Linda Djougang; 4 Ruth Campbell, 5 Dorothy Wall; 6 Brittany Hogan, 7 Edel McMahon, 8 Aoife Wafer.
16 Cliodhna Moloney, 17 Siobhan McCarthy, 18 Christy Haney, 19 Fiona Tuite, 20 Clare Boles, 21 Aoibheann Reilly, 22 Eve Higgins, 23 Beibhinn Parsons
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