Women Warm-Up With Wales Win

The new-look Ireland Women’s squad stepped up their preparations for the Six Nations with a 31-12 victory over Wales at Ashbourne RFC on Sunday, outscoring the visitors by five tries to two.

This was Ireland's first outing under new head coach Tom Tierney and Anthony Eddy, the newly-appointed Director of Sevens and Women's Rugby.

It was a welcome chance for the management team to see the girls, including a number of uncapped players, in action against international opposition with the 2015 Championship less than a fortnight away.

Speaking afterwards, Tierney admitted: "We're very pleased with areas worked on in camp since Christmas that translated onto the pitch today, both in defence and attack. Today was a big step forward in our development plan for the Six Nations."Niamh Briggs scored a try and kicked two conversions on Sunday CREDIT: Inpho

Ireland used 28 players for this warm-up fixtures and Wales 27, as both coaches tested combinations and tried out different options with the Six Nations in mind. Click here to view the women's squad that was announced for the upcoming Six Nations.

Munster and UL Bohemian full-back Niamh Briggs scored one try along with kicking two conversions as club mate Fiona Hayes and Shannon's Aoife Doyle both came off the bench.

Jackie Shiels had her uncapped Richmond club-mate Jade Wong alongside her in the centre for Ireland, with fellow newcomers Jeamie Deacon and Elise O'Byrne White featuring on the wings.

Galwegians' Ruth O'Reilly joined experienced duo Gillian Bourke and Ailis Egan in the front row. Behind them were Old Belvedere pair Sophie Spence and Marie Louise Reilly, while Blackrock's Katie Norris was the only uncapped member of the starting pack at blindside flanker.

Ireland's strength up front and ball-carrying ability was evident in the opening 10 minutes as a try by lock Spence, which saw her crash over under the posts (below), gave them an early lead.

Briggs, one of the stars of last year's World Cup, converted and she also added the extras to Egan's 20th-minute effort as the rampaging tighthead prop proved unstoppable from close range.

The home back-line, marshalled by Nora Stapleton and Larissa Muldoon at half-back, began to find holes in the Welsh defence leading up to half-time and Briggs cut through for try number three which went unconverted.

With rolling substitutions, there were plenty of changes in the second half and Ireland enhanced their 19-0 interval lead when Shiels swept through after some clever approach play in midfield. She added the conversion for good measure.

Wales got off the mark in the 52nd minute when replacement Catrin Edwards, one of their veteran campaigners, touched down and full-back Laurie Harries converted. They built further momentum off the back of an unconverted score from Delyth Davies with just over 10 minutes remaining.

However, the girls in green had the final say as a well-taken 77th minute try from replacement scrum half Tania Rosser rounded off the scoring and an encouraging 19-point triumph.

Former Munster and Ireland star Joy Neville (right) was the woman in the middle as she continued her progression up the refereeing ranks since retiring as a player in 2013. Click here for more details on a recent landmark achievement for Neville.

Ireland return to competitive action when they open their RBS 6 Nations run against Italy at Florence's Stadio Mario Lodigiani on Friday week (February 6). Fortress Ashbourne will be the venue for their back-to-back home games against France (February 13) and England (February 27).

Ireland: Niamh Briggs (UL Bohemians/Munster)
Replacements: Sarah Mimnagh (Wasps/Exile), Emma Dunne (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Fiona O'Brien (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Orla Fitzsimons (St. Mary's/Leinster), Alison Miller (Portlaoise/Connacht), Tania Rosser (Blackrock/Leinster), Cliodhna Moloney (Railway Union), Jenny Murphy (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Fiona Hayes (UL Bohemians/Munster), Megan Williams (St. Mary's/Exile), Katie Fitzhenry (Blackrock/Sevens), Hannah Tyrrell (Old Belvedere/Sevens), Aoife Doyle (Shannon/Munster).

Wales: Laurie Harries; Ffion Bowen, Adi Tavener, Robyn Wilkins, Elen Evans; Elinor Snowsill, Amy Day; Caryl Thomas, Carys Phillips, Amy Evans, Jenny Hawkins, Rebecca Rowe, Sioned Harries, Shona Powell Hughes, Rachel Taylor.

Replacements: Amy Lawrence, Delyth Davies, Jenny Davies, Catrin Edwards, Mel Clay, Sian Williams, Kiera Bevan, Hannah Jones, Kerin Lake, Gemma Rowland, Dyddgu Hywel, Rafiuke Taylor.

Referee: Joy Neville (IRFU)