Wounded Ireland seeking redemption against Wales

After a two-week break, the Women’s Six Nations returns this weekend, with Ireland hosting Wales in Saturday’s late kick-off (18:30 BST).

Both suffered heavy defeats in the previous round against tournament favourites England and France – although Wales headed home by far the happier of the two sides.

Ireland travelled to Clermont seeking revenge for their narrow World Cup quarter-final loss against Les Bleues but left empty-handed after failing to take chances.

Wales shipped the usual 60 points against England, but racked up a best ever score against the Red Roses, claiming four tries and a bonus point.

Ireland have said they will target their final two home games as they seek to consolidate their ‘best of the rest’ tag, while for Wales any win will do as they look to avoid a third consecutive Wooden Spoon and a ninth straight loss in the tournament.

On paper, Ireland are clear favourites, but Wales showed a doggedness against England which proved they are no pushovers. If they can stay in the fight it promises to be a good contest.

Despite the disappointment of round three, Ireland have stuck to their guns in their team selection.

There is just one starting change, with the experienced Eve Higgins coming back into the centre in place of Nancy McGillivray.

Uncapped back Niamh Gallagher is poised to make her senior debut from the bench, having impressed for Ireland Under-21s in recent weeks.

Wales have made three starting changes.

Carys Cox is back fit and back in the midfield, while Hannah Dallavalle, usually a centre, is named on the wing in place of Seren Singleton.

Gwen Crabb, who tops the table for tournament turnovers, took a knock in training and is rested as a precaution.

It paves the way for Georgia Evans to make her first start of the campaign in the second row alongside Branwen Metcalfe, with Jorja Aiono switching to the back row.

Nikita Prothero is set to become Lynn’s ninth debutant from the bench, while Natalia John is in line for a half century of caps.

“Every game in this tournament has seen us build another layer of the team we aspire to be and we expect to come away from Ireland having done the same,” said Wales head coach Sean Lynn.

“Morale and confidence are really high, everybody will be looking for a win, but it’s about making sure that we are performing.

“Ireland have got a very physical pack, they work hard, and they’ve got Dannah O’Brien who’s got a very good kicking game.

“If we can stop them from going forward, then we’re putting them out of their comfort zone.”

Ireland assistant coach Alan O’Connor said: “There was a lot of good from that French game, so we’re just trying to build on that.

“The first half was really good. I think we got close to the line around 12 times, but we just weren’t clinical enough. Building on that, we just need to be more clinical.

“Wales’ strength would probably be the set-piece. They’re good at the breakdown so we need to make sure we’re on the money there.”

BBC Radio Wales commentator Phil Steele: “There’s a lovely old Irish saying that’s often used to articulate the laid-back, unhurried approach to life in the Emerald Isle that goes: ‘When God made time, he gave plenty of it to Ireland’.

“Unfortunately as far as time waiting for a Welsh victory is concerned, the good Lord has been rather over generous to Sean Lynn’s team.

“It’s been 295 days since their last win and 1,503 days since they last triumphed over Ireland. So what are Wales’ chances of a timely taste of victory this time out?

“They’re certainly not favourites against an Irish side that possesses genuine quality in several positions – not least in a powerful pack which features last year’s player of the tournament Aoife Wafer and skipper Erin King.

“Wales are fortified with the return of Hannah Dallavelle and Carys Cox, and no doubt skipper Bethan Lewis will be urging her team to take heart from two specific episodes – the opening 40 minutes where they held parity with France, and the final 10 minutes when they finished with a two-try flourish against England.

“If Wales are able to amalgamate the above for the full 80 minutes it might just be their time. This time.”

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

Referee: Aurelie Groizeleau (FFR)

Assistants: Alexandra Ferre (FFR), Beatrice Smussi (FIR)

TMO: Paulo Duarte (FPR)

FPRO: Dan Jones (RFU)