FIVE-TRY IRELAND ENJOY FIRST WIN

WHAT a way to record a first win in the Women’s Six Nations since April 2022. What a way to end a seven-game losing streak in the championship. What a way to show they’re on the up.

Ireland produced their best performance in years with a stunning win over Wales. A remarkable five-try display.

Player of the match Aoife Wafer who got Ireland’s firsthalf scoring spree under way after 13 minutes.

It was Wafer’s second try of this championship and Dannah O’Brien kicked an excellent conversion.

Eve Higgins burrowed her way over for Ireland’s second try six minutes later before O’Brien added the extras to move them into a 14-0 lead.

And then the beauty of the lineout maul try. It was Sam Monaghan with the take, Neve Jones minded the ball at the back and they mauled their way over for try number three. O’Brien nailed the conversion.

It looked like Ireland would bag a fourth try before half-time when Wafer made another excellent break but it didn’t work out this time — 21-0 to Ireland at the interval.

Ireland doubled down on their superiority with the bonus-point try just over a minute into the second half. Wales outhalf Lleucu George’s kick was blocked down by Katie Corrigan who collected the loose ball to run in under the posts. O’Brien, again, with the conversion.

Her recall dominated the build-up and there was an exceptionally warm reception when Cliodhna Moloney came on for Jones after 52 minutes to win her first Ireland cap since 2021.

Béibhinn Parsons was over for the fifth try. Cue more rapturous celebrations in Musgrave Park.

The Ireland defence was breached after 66 minutes when sub Gwennan Hopkins scored her first try for Wales. But this was Ireland’s day. They finished with 14 players having used all their subs as Wafer came off to a standing ovation and the player of the match award – and deservedly so.