Ireland thrashed Wales 45-0 in their Women's Six Nations clash at Cardiff Arms Park. Full-back Eimear Considine and wing Beibhinn Parsons scored two tries each to help secure a bonus point inside the opening 20 minutes, with Sene Naoupu running in a fifth before the interval.
Wales, outclassed 53-0 away to France in their opening Pool B fixture, at least managed to stem the flow during the second half. It was not until the 72nd minute that Dorothy Wall added a sixth try for Ireland, with Hannah Tyrrell scoring late on to wrap up a comprehensive victory.
Ireland take on France at Donnybrook on 17 April as they look to progress to a showdown against Pool A winners England in the championship final of a revamped tournament.
So that’s it for the Women’s Six Nations action this afternoon!
Thank you for joining me for the spectacular match that saw Ireland dust off the cobwebs after six months without a match.
All the action from the next round on April 17 can be seen here at The Guardian.
Updated
Ireland head coach Adam Griggs
‘Some of those tries were outstanding and it was lovely to see it come off for the players on the field.
‘The second half got a bit straggly, but it’s good to have something to work on.
‘We’re really happy with how we went.’
Ireland captain Ciara Griffin
‘We want to play test rugby, we want to play rugby.
‘Parsons is an old head on new shoulders and she works hard.
‘We got three new caps, we can’t wait for the French.’
Player of the Match Hannah Tyrrell
‘I was supposed to get married yesterday but Covid pushed that back but I’m out here doing what I love.
‘It’s nice to reap the rewards and get points on the board. We got the nerves out in the first few minutes.
‘France will be a tough challenge’
Full-time: Wales 0-45 Ireland
A clinical performance from Ireland and it is a huge win for the team after not playing since last October.
Wales muscled their way back in in the second half but unfortunately while their defence improved, their attack did not.
The hosts have a lot to work on but Ireland will now focus on their next game against France. The match will decide who will top Pool B to face England in the final.
TRY! Wales 0-45 Ireland
Wow oh wow! Wales were on the front foot there but Ireland turn over the ball and Tyrrell stormed to the line.
She converts her own try.
What a try for Ireland!!
Updated
79 min: Wales are on the attack for a last hurrah in this fixture
Can they get some points on the board?
78 min: Hannah Tyrrell has been named Player of the Match
77 min: The scrum is being reset a few times here which gives Wales even less time to clock points.
But Wales come away with the penalty at the scrum.
76 min: Ireland have opted for a scrum
75 min: Lillicrap is coming off of the pitch and as Wales have played all of their subs they will play this out with 14 players.
75 min: Ireland’s attack ends in Higgins being thrown into touch by Lewis.
Lewis has had a good afternoon.
74 min: Possession is exchanging hands so quickly here as they are both stealing the ball at the ruck.
Ireland currently in possession.
TRY! Wales 0-38 Ireland
Ireland set up a maul, after it collapsed Parsons powered through a few metres. The ball ends up in the hands of wall who smashes over the line.
Tyrrell converts.
71 min: Wyn Jones has done phenomenally well there to stop McDermott scoring!
We come back for an earlier penalty as Wales were offside.
71 min: Parsons is showing her skills as she makes a great break in this Irish attack.
Was there a try scored? TMO checking to see if Ireland lost the ball.
70 min: Wales knock on with a loose pass, Ireland scrum.
69 min: Ireland replacements as Moloney and Djougang come off for Jones and Feely.
Updated
68 min: Knock-ons are Ireland’s achilles heel in this second half.
Wales scrum works well and they retain the ball.
Updated
68 min: Ireland win a penalty at the scrum and they send their players off quickly.
The visitors haven’t scored any points in this half and they’ll want to come away with some here.
67 min: Despite gaining a good position, Wales hold on to the ball and so give away a penalty.
Ireland opt for the scrum.
66 min: The lineout works well for Wales this time, they’ve struggled throughout the match with the set-piece.
They are on the attack now but Ireland defence is holding strong.
Updated
65 min: Ireland are nearly at the try line but they force an error and so Wales clear their lines again.
Wales are performing much better than they were in the first half.
64 min: Wales’ scrum is scrappy but Lillicrap grabs the ball to make sure it remains in Welsh hands.
They clear their lines and Ireland have a line-out
63 min: Ireland are on the attack and are testing the Welsh defence once again.
And they are solid once again as Ireland knock on.
62 min: Unbelievable! Lillicrap has strapped her ankle and is continuing to play on.
Ireland have also made a change as Griffin has come off for O’Connor.
62 min: In the break in play Ireland have made a change as Considine comes off with Breen coming on.
62 min: Wales build the pressure in their attack for their longest period on the front foot in this match.
Unfortunately Ireland turns the ball over and in that exchange Lillicrap is down injured. Hopefully she will be okay but she looks in a lot of pain.
61 min: The scrum holds well but Wales turn the ball over and go on the hunt for their first points.
60 min: Ireland have a scrum as Wales knocked on off the back of their line-out.
59 min: Break in play as full-back Considine receives treatment.
59 min: Ireland turn the ball over to dash any Welsh hopes. Flood executes a brilliant clearing kick to put Wales back to half-way.
58 min: Wales look threatening in attack as Lewis goes storming down the wing
They still have possession as they look to score their first points.
57 min: Ireland replacements as Peat and Fryfay come off and O’Dwyar and Hogan come on.
Wales scrum
56 min: The frustration for the hosts continues to build as they lose another line-out.
But Ireland’s weakness of knocking on also shows its face and so Wales have possession.
56 min: Wales sub as Johnes comes off with Dainton on
56 min: Wales line-out
Can they have a clean throw?
55 min: Wales sub, John off, Wyn Jones on
Updated
54 min: Ireland knock on and Wales are playing an advantage here.
Both sides are sloppy in this second half.
53 min: Wales line-out again falters and Ireland set an attack.
Ireland had the advantage as Wales threw a dummy throw and we come back for the infringement.
53 min: Ireland sub, Flood comes on to win her first cap
53 min: Ireland attack and test Wales’ defence but when it’s needed the hosts come off the better.
Ireland go off feet and Wales clear their lines.
52 min: The Welsh scrum folds once again. They need to work on this part of their game because it is giving away so much possession.
51 min: Ireland look dangerous once again with ball in hand but the last pass to Delany doesn’t pay off.
A sigh of relief for the hosts as they take a breather for medical attention.
50 min: Wales lose the ball at the line-out again. The hosts need to be sharper at these set pieces if they want to get points on the board.
49 min: Possession is exchanging hands so quickly here as Ireland give away a penalty at the scrum.
Wales line-out.
48 min: The tale of this game seems to be played out at that line-out as Wales lose the ball
Ireland on the attack again and they win a penalty for a knock-on. Ireland scrum.
47 min: Wales have done extremely well! Amazing defence sees them turn the ball over at the ruck.
Huge moment for the hosts.
45 min: Ireland launch a big attack but a massive tackle comes in from Neumann!
Welsh defence holding well at the moment.
44 min: The Welsh scrum fails again as they give away a penalty for collapsing.
43 min: A huge tackle from Lillicrap on Higgins dislodges the ball to win a scrum.
The captain, as always, performing well in this match
42 min: Ireland line-out is stolen but they manage to muscle the ball back.
They launch their first attack of the second half.
41 min: Possession has changed hands in the early stages of the second half.
Wales playing into the wind in the final 40.
Back underway!
The second half has kicked off in Cardiff.
Can Wales perform a miracle to get back into this one? Or will Ireland run away with the win?
A look at Parsons’ second try
#WomensSixNations
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) April 10, 2021
⚡️ 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗮 𝗱𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗲! 🟢
The cross-field kick from @HannahTyrrell21, the finish from @ParsonsBeibhinn! 👊#ShoulderToShoulder #IrishRugby #WALvIRE pic.twitter.com/vuKiSyYWk8
The winger is having an amazing game for Ireland this afternoon
Half-time: Wales 0-31 Ireland
Wales captain Lillicrap calls time on the first half as the hosts head into the break 31 points down.
Ireland came out firing in that half, scoring five tries and answering any questions Wales asked them.
Abrahams’ side need to do a lot in the second half to come away with the win.
39 min: Wales win a penalty at the scrum, what a big moment for the hosts!
Can they close out this half with some points?
39 min: Jones is coming off for Wales and so Molly Kelly comes onto the pitch
39 min: Wales once again receiving treatment, they have been involved in huge hits trying to stop this unrelenting Irish attack.
38 min: Ireland won possession back but Higgins then knocked on.
Wales scrum.
End to end stuff!
37 min: The scrum is an asset to Ireland this afternoon.
Ireland loose the ball in a sloppy pass and so Wales look to build from their own half.
36 min: Another amazing scrum from Ireland sees Davies knocking on at the back.
Ireland scrum.
35 min: Wales win a penalty after a blunder at the Irish line-out.
Wales scrum.
34 min: Snowsill clears but she doesn’t make many metres and Ireland have a line-out.
34 min: A big scrum from Ireland but Lillicrap remains in possession.
They are in trouble by their try line at the moment.
33 min: No try! Peat lost control of the ball and knocked the ball on.
Wales scrum.
33 min: Was that a try? Peat looks to have scored but the ref and TMO are checking the grounding
33 min: Wales sub as Keight comes off and is replaced by Lewis
32 min: Ireland win a penalty as Wales hold on.
Ireland kick to the corner.
32 min: Ireland steal the ball at the line-out and the kicking game comes into play as the teams send it back and forth.
31 min: Wales’ line-out is good and they win a penalty at the ruck.
Keight returns to play.
29 min: Wales were connecting attacking phases there but Keight couldn’t quite collect the ball.
She is now receiving medical treatment.
28 min: Wales replacement as Davies comes on for Roberts
TRY! Wales 0-31 Ireland
A well worked try sees Ireland pushing Wales backwards. The passes flow through hands and end up with Naoupu who scores.
Tyrrell converts.
26 min: Ireland set a maul and then pass it through the hands. They give up the ball and so we come back to an earlier advantage.
25 min: Wales are having a huge problem at the line-out as Jones doesn’t throw straight once again.
Irish line-out.
25 min: There’s another break in play as Wales players receive medical attention.
25 min: Ireland kick through to try and feed Parsons but she can’t quite get to the ball before it rolls off the pitch
Wales line-out.
24 min: Wales captain Lillicrap reads the play well to intercept but her offload finds itself in Irish hands.
23 min: The line-out is good for Ireland as they set off in another attack.
They are looking to score their fifth try before 30 minutes have passed.
22 min: Ireland win a penalty at the scrum, Wales will be kicking themselves there.
This could be a long afternoon for Wales.
21 min: Ireland kick the ball upfield but they are ruled offside.
Lillicrap opts for the scrum rather than a kick to the sticks.
20 min: Wales win a penalty and Roberts takes it quickly.
Ireland then win a penalty as Wales come in at the side of the ruck.
TRY! Wales 0-24 Ireland
That try was gifted to Ireland as Considine beats so many defenders who just couldn’t tackle her.
Tyrrell converts.
Ireland are on fire in Cardiff! Bonus point before 20 minutes have passed.
Updated
16 min: Break in play as Johnes receives medical attention.
16 min: The time away from rugby seems to have put fire in Ireland’s belly who are once again on the charge!
They win a penalty and Ireland kick to touch.
TRY! Wales 0-17 Ireland
Unbelievable! An amazing cross field kick comes in for Parsons who, of course, finishes well.
Tyrrell doesn’t convert
13 min: Wales steal the ball and kick but it’s charged down by the Irish captain Griffin.
They are just a few metres out now.
13 min: What an amazing start for the visitors. Wales started to build into the game there and Ireland replied with a stunning try.
They are still on the front foot now, building from half-way.
TRY! Wales 0-12 Ireland
Wow, wow, wow!! What a try for Ireland.
The scrum was good for Ireland who launched a blistering attack. The ball ended up in Parsons’ hands and she just continued to storm to the line!
Tyrrell converts
9 min: Wales take it quickly from the scrum but they spill the ball in their attack.
Ireland scrum
8 min: Ireland knock-on, Wales scrum
8 min: The attack ends in Ireland winning back possession but that period of play was good from Wales.
Their attack is where they fall down so if they can continue this pressure in attack they will put themselves on the front foot.
7 min: Promising play from Wales as they get the ball through the hands quickly to challenge the Irish defence.
No way through yet but they are still battering away.
6 min: This time Wales’ line-out is good as they launch their attack.
Can they hit back at Ireland here?
5 min: First scrum of the match is clean for both sides and Ireland come away with the ball.
They kick out, Wales line-out.
4 min: Wales line-out isn’t straight and so they cough up possession immediately.
What a good start for Ireland!
3 min: Wales come away with a penalty as Ireland don’t release.
They kick to touch to build their first attack.
TRY! Wales 0-5 Ireland
Ireland kept knocking on the door and then Tyrrell made a good break to feed Considine to score.
Tyrrell can’t convert.
Updated
1 min: The early possession has been with Wales but Ireland immediately look dangerous as they get their first spell on the ball.
Kick-off!
Wales v Ireland is underway!
Can Wales bounce back from their defeat to France or will Ireland come away with an opening victory?
Here come the anthems, just five minutes out from getting underway here in Cardiff!
Before the anthems, there will be a two minutes silence for HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
To keep their Women’s Six Nations hopes alive, Wales will have to win the match against Ireland today.
They were defeated 53-0 by France last week while Ireland will take to the pitch for the first time in the competition today.
The match will kick off in just under ten minutes and the teams are just running out onto the pitch.
15 minutes to go until we are underway in this fixture and no sign of the match on BBC iPlayer.
It has been amazing to see the tournament be picked up by the BBC but pre and post match analysis would be a great addition to the coverage.
Just under half an hour to go until kick off.
France are currently leading Pool B and so the result today will determine who will challenge them to take on England in the final.
The Red Roses secured their spot after defeating Italy 67-3 earlier today.
Ireland’s team has some newcomers as Eve Higgins makes her debut in the 15s game after excelling on the sevens stage. Emily Lane and Stacey Flood could also win their first caps for their country as they start on the bench.
While Wales have only made four changes from their 53-0 defeat to France last week. Courtney Keight comes in for Jasmine Joyce who is away with GB Sevens, Cara Hope and Cerys Hale start in the front row and Natalia John comes in at lock.
Here are the teams
Wales: Wilkins; Neumann, Jones, Lake, Keight; Snowsill, Roberts; Hope, Jones, Hale, John, Crabb, Evans, Johnes, Lillicrap.
Replacements: Kelly, Thomas, Rose, Wyn Jones, Dainton, Davies, Terry, Lewis.
Ireland: Considine; Delany, Higgins, Naoupu, Parsons; Tyrrell, Dane; Peat, Moloney, Djougang, McDermott, Fryday, Wall, Molloy, Griffin.
Replacements: Jones, O’Dwyer, Feely, Hogan, O’Connor, Lane, Flood, Breen.
Preamble
Wales will host Ireland this evening in a huge clash for both sides in the Women’s Six Nations.
The match will be Ireland’s first run out of the tournament and so it will be a chance to put all of their preparation into action. The squad have been in camps for the past few months as they were gearing up for the World Cup qualifiers that have now been postponed.
While Wales will use this match to try and get their campaign back on track after losing 53-0 to France last weekend. The side is under a new coach in Warren Abrahams so the shaky start is forgivable if they can correct their mistakes from last week.
Welsh full-back Robyn Wilkins will remember the match regardless of the result as she is winning her 50th cap for her country. She said earlier this week: “This milestone means more having waited for it.
“I worked hard during lockdown and feel I’m in the best shape of my life.”
