New Irish mentality springs hope, says Alison Miller

The mentality shown by Ireland in their crucial Guinness Women's Six Nations victory over Scotland gives the team plenty to build on, says former international Alison Miller.

Ireland qualified for the World Cup with a nerve-jangling 15-12 win over the Scots that secured third place in the standings and a passage to next year's tournament in England.

In a low-quality encounter, Scott Bemand's side were forced to dig deep, with Katie Corrigan striking for Ireland's first try before Clíodhna Moloney added a second to close the game out.

Miller, part of the 2013 Grand Slam-winning side and who scored 24 tries in 47 appearances for her country, was impressed by the resolve shown by the women in green.

"It was a nervy game," she told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland. "It wasn’t a great game but they found a way to win, which impressed me.

"It was their mentality that impressed me more than anything."

After failing to qualify for the last World Cup and a winless Six Nations campaign last time out, Miller says the achievement cannot be understated given the doldrums the women’s side has been in over the last few seasons.

In 2021, Miller was part of a 62-strong group of influential figures who wrote to the Irish government to express their loss of all trust and confidence in the IRFU.

"It’s hugely significant," she said. "Not qualifying for 2021 World Cup, and when you look back at that team, they were a good team and more than capable.

"What came after was the letter, and a whole shift in everything that was done. It is great now to see all that has come to a positive change and the team has qualified.

"They have a lot of hard work to do now, but when you have a good, determined attitude like that, you have a lot to build on."