Bonus point secured in Belfast clash.
Ireland cemented a 33-12 triumph against Wales in their penultimate Women's Six Nations fixture, a performance highlighted by a dominant showing from Aoife Wafer. Wafer, a prominent forward, crossed the try line twice, a feat matched by teammate Brittany Hogan. The win, achieved at the Affidea Stadium, secured a crucial bonus point for the Irish team.
Wafer's two tries and Hogan's brace proved decisive in Ireland's 33-12 bonus-point victory over Wales.
The scoring sequence saw Ireland establish an early lead through Wafer's initial try in the 13th minute, converted by Dannah O'Brien. Wales managed to equalize via Georgia Evans' try, but Ireland swiftly reasserted their advantage with further scores from Béibhinn Parsons and Hogan before halftime, reaching the break with a 19-7 lead.
Post-interval, Wafer added her second try in the 56th minute, extending Ireland's lead to 26-7. While Wales’ Jasmine Joyce managed a late individual score, Hogan secured Ireland's fifth and final try with the game's last play, sealing the bonus-point win.
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The Irish lineup featured Stacey Flood at fullback, with Béibhinn Parsons, Aoife Dalton, Eve Higgins, and Robyn O'Connor forming the back three. Dannah O'Brien and Emily Lane orchestrated the play from the half-back positions. The front five included Ellena Perry, Clíodhna Moloney-MacDonald, Linda Djougang, Dorothy Wall, and Fiona Tuite. The back row consisted of Brittany Hogan, Erin King (captain), and Aoife Wafer.
Wales' starting XV included Kayleigh Powell, Hannah Dallavalle, Carys Cox, Courtney Keight, and Jasmine Joyce in the backline, with Lleucu George and Keira Bevan at halfback. The pack featured Gwenllian Pyrs, Kelsey Jones, and Sisilia Tuipulotu in the front row, supported by locks Branwen Metcalfe and Georgia Evans, and a back row of Jorja Aiono, Bethan Lewis (captain), and Bryonie King.
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This victory places Ireland in a strong position as they approach their final Women's Six Nations match, a home fixture against Scotland in Dublin. The team aims to finish the campaign on a high note, seeking to be recognized as "the best of the rest" in the competition.
