Upon a triumphant victory over Wales, Ireland positions itself for an intrepid challenge in the Women’s Six Nations: confronting the highly successful and formidable English squad. This match-up will occur before an anticipated crowd of over 47,000 at Twickenham, England, this Saturday, 20th April, at 2.15pm, broadcasted on Virgin Media 1 and BBC 2.
Last week’s impressive 36-5 besting of Wales at Musgrave Park plainly marked the drastic strides taken by the newly reshaped Irish outfit, helmed by Scott Bemand, in this year’s championship.
Although their defensive fortitude could not shield them from defeat at home by Italy, and notwithstanding the 27 handling errors committed in the face of the Azzurri, it was evident that a rejuvenated offensive form and aggressive intent had started to evolve. Despite these snags, Ireland was able to demonstrate the creation of ample attacking opportunities.
Aoife Wafer’s significant contribution along the outside channels, coupled with the consistent performance of other key players, including Aoibheann Reilly’s balanced and brisk display, facilitated scoring opportunities against Wales.
This marked the end of a dismal seven-match losing streak in the Six Nations. However, the disheartening news is the sidelining of the highly prominent Sam Monaghan due to an injury. Monaghan’s standout performance last week, and her strong contribution to Ireland’s lineout and attacking game, will be missed.
With Bemand aiming to employ his extensive knowledge of England’s tactics from his tenure as their attack coach between 2015 to 2023, he welcomes back Hannah O’Connor and reinstates Aoife Dalton in midfielder.
John Mitchell, England’s new coach, announced two alterations from the squad which dominated Scotland 46-0 last week. Marlie Packer re-enters the game as captain and openside, which prompts Zoe Aldcroft’s switch from back row to lock. Returning to her role as hooker is Lark Atkin-Davies.
Despite the mountainous odds that lean heavily towards an England victory, Bemand ardently persists in his stand that the game doesn’t boil down to mere damage control.
In a record-breaking spell, England has secured victory in 27 consecutive Six Nations matches. This streak, dating from a narrow 18-17 loss to France in 2018, is the longest winning stretch any team has managed in the championships’ history, both in the men’s and women’s divisions.
Accumulating an impressive average of 50 points per game through this stretch, the Red Roses have clinched four successive Grand Slams and won the 2020 Six Nations tournament, which was reduced due to Covid.
England has shown dominance at home, winning their past 20 Six Nations games, with a winning margin of 37 points on average. Against Ireland, they’ve been victorious in 19 out of the past 21 confrontations, including all 11 played on home grounds. Their three most recent meetups have resulted in crushing victories for England, with scores of 27-0, 69-0, and 48-0, the last of which occurred in Cork in the previous year.
The English team’s experience shines through, with 17 members from a squad of 23 having participated in the deciding Grand Slam match against France at Twickenham, in front of a record-breaking crowd of 58,458. This season, their authority hasn’t waned despite two red cards, as they’ve managed three wins with bonus points, scored 24 tries, and only conceded one.
The dynamic of England’s backline remains consistent, with Jess Breach, Ellie Kildunne, and Abby Dow – who made five of England’s eight tries in their 46-0 victory over Scotland – forming the backthree for the third consecutive match. Kildunne, who scored twice in all three matches of England’s this season, also tops the Championship in metres made with 441 and line breaks with 7.
This strength will test Lauren Delany, Katie Corrigan, and Beibhinn Parsons, the backthree for Ireland, which was selected for the fourth consecutive game. Despite the challenge, Wafer, echoing Bemand’s sentiments, said that Ireland remains steadfast in their resolve not to be just a tightening valve.
In Wafer’s words earlier this week, “It’s incredible, 45,000 tickets, isn’t it?” He went on to acknowledge the prowess of the English team stating, “You have to acknowledge England’s achievements. They’ve consistently been one of the world’s best teams over several years.”
I am bracing myself to play against England for the first time and I believe that the Irish don’t require further inspiration when facing an English match. We have no intention to merely blend in with the English celebration. We intend to make waves and let our strikes be known. We’re certain to devise a strategic plan and assess what is possible. This is expected to be a thrilling match.
The English team consists of Ellie Kildunne, Abby Dow, Megan Jones, Tatyana Heard, Jess Breach, Holly Aitchison, Natasha Hunt, Hannah Botterman, Lark Atkin-Davies, Maud Muir, Zoe Aldcroft, Rosie Galligan, Sadia Kabeya, Marlie Packer who is also the captain of the team, and Alex Matthews. The substitutes are Connie Powell, Mackenzie Carson, Kelsey Clifford, Morwenna Talling, Maddie Feaunati, Lucy Packer, Emily Scarratt, and Sydney Gregson.
The Irish team is made up of Lauren Delany, Katie Corrigan, Eve Higgins, Aoife Dalton, Béibhinn Parsons, Dannah O’Brien, Aoibheann Reilly, Linda Djougang, Neve Jones, Christy Haney, Dorothy Wall, Hannah O’Connor, Aoife Wafer, Edel McMahon who captains the team, and Brittany Hogan. Clíodhna Moloney, Niamh O’Dowd, Sadhbh McGrath, Fiona Tuite, Shannon Ikahihifo, Molly Scuffil-McCabe, Enya Breen, and Méabh Deely have been arranged as replacements.
The game will be officiated by Aurélie Groizeleau from France.