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Women’s Six Nations – Ireland – Italy |
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Venue: RDS Stadium, Dublin Date: Saturday 31 March Kick-off: 15:00 GMT |
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Coverage: Watch live on ` iPlayer, ` Red Button and the ` Sport website and app; Text commentary, report and highlights on the ` Sport website |
If Ireland can continue on their current trajectory, Italy at home is a must-win game.
In last week's opening game against France, Ireland looked more united and better prepared for the Six Nations than they have for several years.
They really showed a lot of potential in the 38:17 defeat. While I would have said before the tournament that Scotland would be Ireland's target, after Scotland's narrow win against Wales last week it is now Italy who are aiming for their first win.
Ireland and Italy have some similarities.
Both showed great defensive efforts against the top two teams in the Six Nations in England and France last week.
There have been changes in the coaching staff for both and both appear more structured.
Italy are a very creative team and Beatrice Rigoni looks a bit like French scrum-half Pauline Bourdon Sansus in the way she moves and creates space, so she is a player Ireland need to keep an eye on.
I don't think there will be a high goal yield, but if Ireland can focus on really aggressive, sustained defense and place more emphasis on not losing possession in the lineout, they should be able to launch attacks .
Jones impressed against France
image source, ©INPHO/Ben Brady
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Neve Jones made 23 tackles against France
Ireland scored more tries than ever before in the Six Nations away to France last weekend. The effort and commitment in defense was very impressive.
Special mention goes to Neve Jones with 23 tackles and she also stopped two French attempts, once keeping them over the line and another when she won a penalty with a jackal under the posts, both in the first half.
You can't expect anyone to be able to maintain that pressure all game, especially when France are able to field quality players and show pace on the wings, but Ireland can take so many positives from their defence. No doubt the improvements are due to Declan Danaher taking over as defense coach.
One criticism of Ireland is that they lacked some specific preparation for the characteristics of the French players.
For as long as I can remember, Bourdon Sansus has been known as a fast, attacking, manipulative scrum-half who creates space around himself.
This led to two tries – the first inside the Irish '22' and as the bat thundered forward, first defender Aoife Dalton gave her too much space, leading to the opening try.
On the second attempt she created space for Marine Menager by sliding out of the ruck and as Aoife Wafer attacked her she created space between the ruck and the first defender.
It's not a major problem, but it's good to prepare for the key attributes of individual players, and because Ireland haven't done that, Italy could also target the weakness that Bourdon Sansus exposed.
While the overall defensive performance was brilliant, these two attempts in particular feel weak when such a valiant defense is put up elsewhere.
“Ireland needs to improve its poor line-up”
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Ireland co-captain Sam Monaghan is ready to return for Ireland against Italy
As for the line out, I can't help but say it's bad and a problem.
Ireland will be in trouble if this continues.
This worry can seep into the squad, players can become nervous and restless when the times aren't right and I hope Ireland don't find themselves in that situation.
Sam Monaghan is coming back after missing the France game with a concussion and that will help massively.
She is a great player and plays at a very high level in England for Gloucester-Hartpury. Their return will bring a lot of improvement and confidence in this area and comes at the right time as Italy performed well in the starting lineup against England and England have one of the best teams in the world.
Ireland kicking game “the smart decision”
image source, ©INPHO/Ben Brady
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Dannah O'Brien replaced Nicole Fowly at half-time against France
Some people who weren't used to seeing a territorial battle in women's football weren't happy with Ireland's outstanding play, but it's the smart decision.
You can't play in your own 22-man team – it's just too risky. There's a lot to be gained by properly engaging in a kick duel.
It is very interesting that Nicole Fowley and Dannah O'Brien changed at half-time. It's unusual to make a substitution at half-time, but it was obviously a tactical decision.
That's not a luxury Ireland have had before as they've struggled with strength in depth or a good 10s who understands 15s rugby.
They struggled to find one, let alone two, so having two now is real progress for Scott Bemand. They also offer different things and are both great kickers.
As a left-footed kicker, Dannah adds another dimension. I didn't expect her to kick better than Nicole, but Dannah had slightly better execution.
“It will be a close game”
This weekend's scrum will be evenly contested and although Italy lost 48-0 to England, they actually did well in the areas that could hurt Ireland.
It certainly won't be a clear win for Ireland, it will be pretty close, but if they can improve their performance against France then they have every reason to believe they can claim their first Six Nations win in two years.
Cliodhna Moloney spoke to ` Sport NI's Orla Bannon.
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