After demonstrating their ability to challenge stronger opponents, Ireland’s women’s rugby team is set to prove they can deliver results as favourites when they face Italy in the Women’s Six Nations this weekend.
Despite a 27-15 loss to France last week in Belfast, Scott Bemand’s team showed significant improvement from their WXV campaign last autumn. The head coach and his players remain focused on turning performances into victories, moving beyond the label of “noble losers” and closing the gap with tournament heavyweights like France and England.
Ireland, ranked sixth in the world, has not beaten Italy since 2022 and is searching for its first away win in the Women’s Six Nations since a 2021 triumph over Wales. However, the team’s trajectory has been steadily upward, with wins against Wales and Scotland last year securing a third-place finish before an impressive showing at WXV in Canada.
Overcoming Past Struggles in Parma
Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, the venue for today’s match, holds painful memories for Ireland. It was here in 2021 that they failed to qualify for the Rugby World Cup after losses to Spain and Scotland. In 2023, they suffered a 24-7 defeat at the same venue during a wooden spoon campaign.
Last year’s 27-21 loss to Italy at the RDS was marred by 28 handling errors despite dominating possession. This time, Ireland aims to combine effort with execution to secure a much-needed win.
Set-Piece Strength Key to Success
One of Ireland’s most notable improvements has been in their set-piece play. Last year’s defeat to Italy was hampered by a lineout success rate of just 70%, with the 2023 season average dipping to 61%. In contrast, last week’s game against France saw Ireland win 18 of their 19 lineouts, using them to build two rolling-maul tries and a clever dummy-maul score by standout flanker Aoife Wafer.
Wafer, who debuted against Italy in 2021, has since established herself as a key player. The Wexford native, who turned 22 this week, was instrumental against France, scoring twice while making 17 carries, 11 tackles, and two breakdown steals.
Under forwards coach Alex Codling and defense specialist Hugh Hogan, Ireland’s ruck play has also improved. Last week, 71% of their attacking rucks were won within three seconds, compared to France’s 48%—a significant edge in controlling the tempo.
Addressing Attacking Errors
Despite their improvements, Ireland still faces attacking inconsistencies. Handling errors and poor decision-making in the French 22 prevented them from converting opportunities. France capitalized on Irish mistakes, scoring three tries off misplaced kicks.
“We made 21 errors, 14 of them handling errors,” Bemand acknowledged. “We need to grow our game to compete with World Cup contenders. The key is learning faster and improving our execution.”
Bemand has retained the same 23-player squad but made three starting changes. Captain Edel McMahon returns at blindside flanker, Fiona Tuite starts in the second row, and Aoibheann Reilly takes over at scrum-half.
Italy’s Unpredictability a Challenge
Italy enters the match following a 38-5 loss to England, having conceded two early tries but tightening up in the second half. Head coach Fabio Roselli has made six changes, including the return of veteran centre Michaela Sillari and out-half Emma Stevanin. Hooker Vittoria Vecchini, who scored twice against Ireland last year, also re-enters the lineup alongside tighthead Gaia Maris, flanker Sara Tounesi, and captain Elisa Giordano at number eight.
With both teams eager to make a statement, today’s clash in Parma could be a pivotal moment in Ireland’s resurgence.
