Preview: Fast Irish start vital for top half chances

Amid the buzz of a new campaign with new caps and new contracts came a reminder from Greg McWilliams.

When it comes to professionalism in the women's game, Ireland are still "last in the door" among their Six Nations rivals.

After several difficult years, there's an air of excitement around the women's team again. The World Cup qualification disaster of 2021 saw Ireland forced to build from the bottom; a coaching change was matched by several high-profile retirements, and the passing of this team onto a younger generation.

Their fourth place finish in last years Six Nations had plenty of peaks and valleys, while the summer tour of Japan allowed the coaching ticket, which by now included veteran Kiwi John McKee, give international exposure to several uncapped players, many of whom continue in the side to face Wales on Saturday.

In November, the first batch of fully professional Irish XV's players got down to work at Irish Rugby's high performance centre in Abbotstown, and while McWilliams (below) is in no doubt that his side have progressed significantly as rugby players in recent months, the reality is that their opponents have too.

"Remember, we're still last in the door," he said.

"We think things are going really well, but every team at the moment is. Every team at the moment has their players who are fitter, more intelligent, they're technical skills around the game will be sharper, their tactical understanding will be sharper."

Professional players, as well as full-time coaching staff will hopefully improve the long-term chances of Ireland getting back towards the higher end of the women's game, but the short-term challenge is overcoming their inexperience as a squad.

Of the starting team named for Saturday's TikTok Six