GREEN ENERGY
Beating Scots in Belfast a huge morale boost – but fundamental issues with the women’s game still need to be addressed
THERE were delirious scenes after the final whistle in Kingspan Stadium on Saturday night. Enya Breen’s late, late try and subsequent conversion sealed a last-gasp win against Scotland.
The relief was palpable among the group. It secured a hardfought win and, crucially, helped this young squad avoid the Wooden Spoon.
Finishing bottom of the Six Nations for the first time since 2004 would have been a hammerblow to this group.
Beating the Scots in this fashion was almost poetic. Seven months ago, Ireland suffered a last-gasp loss to the same opposition in Parma, a defeat that ended their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup.
Those grim events would prove the catalyst for an explosive six months. The players’ letter, the IRFU backlash and subsequent U-turn, the Energia Park changing facilities fiasco and the subsequent World Cup review were standout moments.
Greg McWilliams and a new backroom team arrived to steer this Ireland squad in a new direction. There was renewed optimism ahead of the Six Nations, but many of the old failings resurfaced.
The opening-round loss to Wales in Dublin preceded heavy defeats by France and England on the road. There was a morale-boosting win against the Italians in Cork before the Sevens stars were pulled from Six Nations duty.
Breen’s late heroics secured a second victory over, the Scots, and fourth place in the table.
And that just about feels right for this squad. They are light years away from the standard of the French and English. Wales, who have embraced professionalism, have edged ahead as well.
The post-match scenes in Belfast were heartening, but this group have a long way to go if they want to be a competitive force again.
It was interesting to see David Nucifora observing the half-time team talk in the Ireland dressing room. The IRFU performance director has been a regular attendee at games in this tournament. Whether the Australian is actually interested in rebuilding the national team is still up for debate, however.
It is the IRFU’s policy on favouring Sevens that has been so polarising for many years. Yes, the Sevens outfit has the makings of a very successful side, but where is the long-term gain for such a policy?
State funding and an appearance at the Olympics every four years is the sum total of all that investment. And where is the growth at grassroots?
How many clubs have Sevens teams or programmes across the country? Appearing at games might be good for optics, but hobbling the head coach midway through a tournament by pulling five of his best backs from duty is soul-destroying.
The likes of Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe, Beibhinn Parsons and Eve Higgins have the star power and talent to inspire young fans on a big stage like this, not playing on the Sevens circuit.
At some stage, the IRFU need to get real about this. The player pool is too shallow at the moment to spread it across the Sevens and 15s programmes.
There are also the wider issues of participation, coaching, structures, skills, funding and pathways.
None of those will be easy fixes. It’s going to take some time.
“Many of the old failings resurfaced”
“Player pool is too shallow at the moment”
It looks like a daunting task for McWilliams and Co, but there were some positives. Neve Jones emerged as a real find at hooker, while Sam Monaghan came of age at lock.
The likes of Linda Djougang, Edel McMahon and Hannah O’Connor confirmed their status as top-class forwards. Nichola Fryday grew into her role as captain, even if the lineout misfired badly throughout the championship.
Sourcing an out-half will be top of McWilliams’ wish-list. A savvy, tactical playmaker who can boss a game would be a huge bonus for this squad, especially with so much firepower in the outside banks, when they aren’t on Sevens duty.
These players will return to the day jobs now. They won’t reconvene until later in the summer ahead of a two-Test tour of Japan in August.
Ireland won’t be at the World Cup in New Zealand in October, and that will hurt for a while.
The fact Italy and Scotland – who both finished below them in the Six Nations – are heading for the global showpiece sticks in the craw as well.
It will be a long wait until the 2023 Six Nations, with England and France both due to visit Dublin. Time is what this squad needs. Investment and resources as well. The only way is up.