Match Preview
Ranked fifth globally, Ireland will host 12th-ranked Wales in the Women's Six Nations this Saturday at 18:30 BST, following a two-week break.
Both teams endured heavy defeats in the previous round against tournament favourites England and France. Wales, however, returned with a more positive outlook after securing a bonus-point despite conceding 60 points to England. Ireland, seeking revenge for their narrow World Cup quarter-final loss to France, travelled to Clermont but were unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Ireland aims to focus on their final two home games to solidify their position as the "best of the rest," while Wales is desperate for any victory to avoid a third consecutive wooden spoon and a ninth straight loss in the tournament.
Although Ireland are favourites on paper, Wales demonstrated resilience against England, suggesting a competitive match ahead.
Match Details:
Saturday 9 May, kick-off 18:30 BST
Watch live on BBC , website and app; listen on BBC Radio 5 Live, Sports Extra, and ; follow live text and highlights online.
Team News
Despite the previous round's disappointment, Ireland have made only one change to their starting lineup. Experienced centre Eve Higgins returns, replacing Nancy McGillivray. Uncapped back Niamh Gallagher is expected to make her senior debut from the bench, having impressed with the Ireland Under-21s recently.
Wales have made three starting changes. Carys Cox returns fit to the midfield, Hannah Dallavalle, usually a centre, is named on the wing replacing Seren Singleton. Gwen Crabb, who leads the tournament in turnovers, is rested due to a training knock. Georgia Evans will start in the second row alongside Branwen Metcalfe, with Jorja Aiono moving to the back row. Nikita Prothero is set to become Wales' ninth debutant from the bench this campaign, and Natalia John is poised to earn her 50th cap.
Quotes from the Camps
"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 commented: "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."
Commentator’s Note
BBC Radio Wales commentator Phil Steele reflected on Wales' challenges:
"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."
Additional Features
- Wales' rising star Jorja Aiono takes pride in her Samoan heritage.
- Ending the Six Nations with home wins is considered significant for Ireland.
- Concerns were expressed by Dalton about Ireland's future following her first Six Nations appearance.
Match Statistics
- Ireland lead the head-to-head record, winning 13 of 24 games against Wales.
- Ireland won the last two Six Nations matches against Wales, both with bonus-point victories.
- Ireland have secured 19 line-out throws and four line-out steals, the highest in this year's tournament.
- Erin King leads the championship in attacking ruck entries (105) and defensive ruck entries (39).
- Wales lead the championship in kicks in play (87) and kick metres (2036).
- Wales top the table with the most tackle turnovers (12).
- Keira Bevan beat the most defenders (nine) in round three.
Team Lineups
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
Match Officials
Referee: Aurélie Groizeleau (FFR)
Assistant Referees: Alexandra Ferre (FFR), Beatrice Smussi (FIR)
