Ireland undone by Welsh comeback in Six Nations opener

The slate of last year had been wiped clean, and for so long it looked like it would be a dream start for this new Irish era.

Beneath beautiful sunshine and in front of a record attendance for an Ireland women's international of 6,113, Ireland led for so long before the Welsh power eventually told, as they silenced the RDS to claim a 27-19 win in the TikTik Women's Six Nations opener.

If there is hope for Ireland going forward, it's in their opponents.

Wales were a shell of a team when the sides met in the 2021 Six Nations, but were controlled, powerful and effective, particularly at the scrum and lineout.

And although they only took the lead inside the final six minutes, they were deserving of their victory against an inexperienced Irish side, but one that showed plenty of promise.

Tries for Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe, Linda Djougang and Stacey Flood had Ireland leading throughout, 14-5 in front at half time, and 19-10 through three quarters.

But they were leading through a clinical attack, having soaked enormous Welsh pressure for much of the game, during which they conceded 16 penalties.

Eventually that pressure proved too much, two late tries for substitute Donna Rose put the Welsh in front, before Hannah Jones scored a late breakaway as Ireland chased the game.

Wales dominated possession in the opening quarter, carrying hard at the Irish line, but their aggression was matched by Ireland's defence.

Neve Jones would have been a woman under some degree of pressure, starting at hooker in place of the dropped veteran Cliodhna Moloney, but twice in the opening minutes she met Welsh carries with ferocious tackles, the second of which forced an Irish turnover.

Djougang, Dorothy Wall and Flood all contributed dominant tackles in the