Skipper demands improvement after second whitewash
WALES Women are still in search of their first point in this year’s Six Nations after suffering another heavy defeat.
After a 50-point whitewash in their opening Six Nations match in France last weekend, Wales went down 45-0 to Ireland at the Arms Park in Cardiff.
Eimear Considine and Beibhinn Parsons both crossed twice with Sene Naoupu also scoring to give the Irish a 31-0 half-time lead.
Wales improved in the second half but couldn’t offer much in response to Ireland’s dominant start.
Dorothy Wall burrowed over and Hannah Tyrrell ran in late on to seal a comfortable Irish win.
Captain Siwan Lillicrap lamented failings all across the park, but insisted it was important not to point the fingers at anyone or anything specifically.
“We didn’t start with the right intent and that set the tone for the game,” said Lillicrap.
“We were a little better in the second half, but we just weren’t good enough overall and that’s the reality.
“We’ve got to make our one-on-one shots – that’s non-negotiable.
“We weren’t good enough at the scrum and lineout either and that’s something we’ve got to look at.
“But there’s no finger pointing. We’ve all got to reflect on our performances – maybe I didn’t bring enough to the table. “The main thing is that we learn lessons. “We’ve got to try to make sure our heads don’t drop. It’s emotional now but it’s important we reflect, put in the hard work and finish on a high on finals day.”
England secured their place in the Women’s Six Nations final as a flurry of late scores helped them to a nine-try victory in Italy.
In a slow start for the Red Roses, Emily Scarratt and Vicky Fleetwood benefited from Italian mistakes for the side’s only first-half tries.
England improved when replacements came on after the break and scored four tries in seven minutes, with Abby Dow crossing twice in Parma.
England will not learn their opponents for that match until Ireland face France next weekend, but Les Bleus are the favourites to top Pool B.