Women’s Six Nations: A clash between Ireland and Italy is on the cards, to be broadcast live on RTÉ 2 from RDS, this Sunday at 3pm. Scott Bemand, the head coach for the Irish women’s squad, has made strategic amendments to the team following the disappointing 38-17 defeat against France in their Six Nations opener in Le Mans.
Previously injured second-row Sam Monaghan makes a return this week, combining her fitness and experience to spearhead the team. Grace Moore swaps her reserve spot for a role as a blindside flanker while Dannah O’Brien is now the chosen starter at number 10. Meanwhile, Nicole Fowley has been delegated to the substitutes.
Edel McMahon and Hannah O’Connor, both part of last week’s playing team, have been omitted from the daily match roster. Aoife Dalton, in an unexpected move, has been demoted from her centre position to the bench.
Despite the tough judgement of excluding Dalton from the starting lineup, Bemand clarified his strategy saying, “As the team moves towards greater professionalism, the strongest ensemble will be selected for each match.” He further indicated that the changes don’t imply any permanent exclusions for the future games.
Bemand has also decided to give Enya Breen, absent from test matches for a year, an opportunity to shine, shifting her over Aoife Dalton for the centre position. The Irish coach praised Enya as a versatile ‘triple threat’, valuing her skill to carry, distribute and kick. He has appreciated her perception of the game and her ability to seize promising opportunities, which will help in enhancing their match execution strategy.
Earlier centre, Dalton, hadn’t faltered in her last performance, reassures Bemand. Substituting Enya for Dalton is a strategic decision based on the anticipated game flow. Hence, Dalton will still have a considerable role to play at the right time in the future.
The Irish head coach provided insights into the strengths and contributions of O’Brien and Monaghan. He recognises Dannah’s considerable talent, despite her youth and highlighted her exceptional capabilities as a flyhalf. She is profoundly skilled at exploiting defences and involving our backs in the game due to her excellent footballing pedigree and ability to spot spaces. It’s a wonderful chance for her to excel and lead our team.
Furthermore, he emphasised the role of Sam in our team, not just for leadership but also in the set piece, especially the lineout. Her hard work and presence boost the confidence of other team members both around the pitch and in the set piece.
He also mentioned that performing well in the Six Nations is vital for acknowledging World Cup qualification. Winning three games could secure qualification. However, he believes that their performance will ultimately determine their success.
Some changes were noticed in the Italy team following their 48-0 defeat by England in Parma. Centre Michela Sillari suffered a broken leg in the infamous ‘croc-roll’ incident, resulting in a red card and a seemingly light three-match ban for England’s number eight, Sarah Beckett.
Due to an injury, Giulia Cavina won’t also be playing and Ilaria Arrighetti will replace her at number eight. Beatrice Rigoni’s new position is outside centre, accompanied by Emma Stevanin who has been elevated from the bench to join her in midfield.
At the same time, Silvia Turani has moved from hooker to loosehead prop, with Vittoria Vecchini in the number two jersey for her first match. Moreover, Sara Tounesi transitions from lock to blindside flanker, as Isabella Locatelli gets benched. The Italian team prefer a fast-paced, wide game with plenty offloads.
Despite their defeat to France, Ireland showed great resolve, determination, and work ethic. Working towards a more fluid lineout and a more synchronised attack are their performance objectives for the upcoming match at a nearly sold-out RDS.
Bemand has openly stated, “We’ve thrown ourselves into this and are building a culture and environment that openly accepts challenge. We’ve discussed facing adversities head-on and understand what the game brings.
“This can be perceived as an opportunity for us. We will play our first game in Ireland as a team, showcasing what we’re capable of. The mentality has always been one of approaching it headlong.”
The Irish Team comprises: L Delany from Sale Sharks; K Corrigan, D O’Brien, and A Reilly, each from Old Belvedere/Leinster; E Higgins of Railway Union/Leinster; E Breen, D Wall from Blackrock College/Munster; B Parsons, A Reilly of Blackrock College/Connacht; L Djougang, N Jones, C Haney, A Wafer, S Delaney, E Corri from Old Belvedere/Leinster; S Monaghan from Gloucester-Hartpury, captain; G Moore playing for Saracens; B Hogan of Old Belvedere/Ulster.
Replacements will be: N O’Dowd and F Tuite from Old Belvedere/Ulster; S McGrath from Cooke/Ulster; M Scuffil-McCabe (Leinster); N Fowley from Galwegians/Connacht; A Dalton from Old Belvedere/Leinster.
The Italian Team includes: V Ostuni Minuzzi; A Muzzo, B Rigoni, E Stevanin, A D’Inca; V Madia, S Stefan; S Turani, V Vecchini, S Seye; V Fedrighi, G Duca; S Tounesi, F Sgorbini, I Arrighetti.
Replacements will be: L Gurioli, G Maris, L Gai, I Locatelli, B Veronese, A Frangipani, F Granzotto, B Capomaggi.