WOMEN'S SIX NATIONS - Ireland 22 Italy 5:THE IRISH Women's rugby revolution continues. Last season's Six Nations was sprinkled with promising results, and a curious crowd gathered in Ashbourne to see if Kevin West's charges could deal with the heavy burden of local expectancy now that confidence has been attained.
The evidence was favourable as Ireland produced a polished performance to emerge comfortable victors.
With the World Cup being staged in London in the autumn this promises to be a particularly interesting year for an evolving Irish team.
Respect has been earned by the manner in which Ireland have embraced the challenges of the international game, and it was heartening to witness the home team make such a daring start.
Outhalf Joanne O’Sullivan demonstrated a commendable willingness to provide subtle handling touches behind a hard working forward unit.
The Irish backs were also interested in the collisions too, fullback Niamh Briggs made a courageous hit on the Italian lock Flavia Severin in the third minute of a lively first quarter.
Despite Ireland’s enthusiasm it was Italy who squandered a regal opportunity to take the lead in the fifth minute, but Michela Tondinelli missed a penalty, and Ireland were soon on the front foot once more.
O’Sullivan was intent on releasing a pacy Irish backline, and from a crafty move the ball eventually spilled at the feet of Briggs in the 12th minute following a burst of pressure. Briggs proceeded to land a drop goal from just inside the 22, but Italy responded to that slice of opportunism.
Indeed the visitors ruled matters for the next 20 minutes, and a sublime passage of passes involving Manuela Furlan and Maria Veronesse afforded winger Sara Barattin a try scoring chance, but Tania Rosser prevented the Italian crossing, and the Irish scrum half was sin binned.
Italy, though, were unable to make their numerical superiority count as the otherwise effective Tondinelli fluffed a seemingly routine penalty, and Ireland defended with a steely determination.
Having absorbed the Italian rally Ireland then manufactured a try in the 37th minute.
Joy Neville received possession at the end of the line out, and crashed over in the corner as Ireland edged eight points clear before the interval.
Ireland were in the groove after the restart too, Neville going in for a second try in the 48th minute with Briggs beautifully nailing the touchline conversion.
Debutant Alison Miller touched down in the 63rd minute, with Briggs adding the extras as Ireland scorched 22 points ahead.
Italy finished well and replacement Silvia Peron nicked a last gasp consolation try, but it scarcely mattered as Ireland pocketed the spoils.
IRELAND:N Briggs; N Stapleton, G Davitt, S Houston, A Miller; J OSullivan, T Rosser; F Coghlan, C Fanning, E McManamly, K OLoughlin, ML Reilly, C Staunton, C Molloy, J Neville. Replacements:C Mahon for OLoughlin (71 mins), L Beamish for Rosser (75 mins), L Austin for Coghlan (75 mins), E Downey for Stapelton (77 mins).
ITALY:M Furlan; S Barattin, M Cioffi, P Zangirolami, M Veronese; M Tondinelli, V Schiavon; L Gai, M Este, E Cucchiella, S Pettinelli, F Severin, G Campanella, D Gini, S Gaudino. Replacements:C Zublena for Severin (68 mins), S Peron for Lucia (75 mins).
Referee:Sarah Corrigan (ARU)
