Scott Bemand, the new coach for the Irish women’s rugby team, expressed overall contentment with the team’s performance in their first Six Nations match, despite a 38-17 loss to France in Le Mans. Importantly, the team conducted themselves such that no injury concerns arose post-match. Bemand is also hopeful of the return of influential lock Sam Monaghan for next Sunday’s key game against Italy at the RDS.
Bemand reflected on the team’s performance, stating that the objective was to give a strong show of what was to be anticipated from the Irish team in the future. After losing to France, where they had a tackle ratio of 91 per cent, having completed 175 tackles and missed 17, Bemand saw an evolving defensive strength in the team.
Bemand emphasised their determination to prove challenging to the French team, proud of how the girls weathered the pressure throughout the game. Noting that the team was trailing 17-3 32 minutes in, Bemand acknowledged France’s strong start yet remained confident since France did not score for a significant duration post that. He accepted their set-piece strategy needs refinement brought to light during portions of the game when they were able to build momentum.
Looking forward, the coach sees the return of Sam Monaghan as an opportunity for improvement, underscoring that losses are learning opportunities as well. He also assured that the team was in good condition after their first match, reminding that this isn’t a single match tournament. The focus now shifts to their home game against Italy next week.
The head coach also dispelled injury concerns around the replacement of Nicole Fowley by Dannah O’Brien at half-time, stating that it was a pre-planned manoeuvre to manage playing time strategically to optimise both their performances.
The improvement in both the team’s overall performance and scoreline compared to last year’s game in Cork where Ireland suffered a crushing 53-3 defeat, conceding nine tries, was noted by team captain Edel McMahon. Despite France’s early score, the team took the setback in stride and managed to gain ground. McMahon believes the game plan was executed decently on certain occasions. However, she agreed with Scott’s remark about the team’s inability to successfully execute their set piece and exit strategies. When compared to last season, they were more strategic. This resulted in two scores and the French team being put under substantial pressure.
McMahon emphasized the team’s primary goal of proving their competitiveness. She ensured their strong ambition to compete in the Six Nations, stating with confidence that they could hold their own, even against the top four in the world like France.
Aoife Dalton, the centre, scoring a last-minute try embodies the spirit of the team and, in Bemand’s view, constitutes a reward for their unfaltering defensive efforts. He mentioned how defence is often indicative of a group’s character and was pleased to see Declan Danaher’s defence achieving results. France’s tactic of frequently rotating their bench does present opportunities, but keen pressure is necessary to capitalize on them.
Bemand is particularly proud of the group’s character and anticipates continued growth in confidence related to the attacking game, set-piece, and kicking game. He acknowledges that they have a lot to improve on but is also content with their performance. He believes it is essential to maintain the momentum and continue progressing, “We’ve drawn a line in the sand, there’s no regressing from here,” he said.