Preview: Ireland must take shots against Wales

It's a new era, a new chapter and today, Ireland turn to the next page of their story under Scott Bemand.

The recall of Clíodhna Moloney after almost two-and-a-half years ends the exile of the Exeter Chiefs hooker, who was left out of the 2022 and 2023 squads after calling out former women’s director Anthony Eddy over comments about Ireland’s failure to qualify for the World Cup.

"We got to a point where we feel it’s the right time," said Bemand during the week.

The contention that the 30-year-old was not one of the top two hookers available to a struggling Ireland team over the last two seasons was laughable.

The Galway native (above) will get her shot off the bench as Ireland bid for a first win over the Welsh since 2021; nine of the 23 from that 45-0 success in Cardiff are in the match-day panel today.

She brings a steady hand out of touch and is dynamic ball-carrier, something Ireland have missed in her absence.

In the two games so far, Ireland have only been able to claim 63% of their own lineouts, the worst rate in the competition, and the return of Moloney should go some way towards improving that record.

A lot of water has gone under the bridge since 2021, and the last two meetings have resulted in 27-19 and 31-5 wins for Ioan Cunningham’s side.

Both of the teams today come in off back-to-back losses, Ireland going down to France (38-17) and Italy (27-21), while Wales have been beaten by Scotland (20-18) and England (46-10).

Last season Ireland couldn’t handle the power of the Wales pack and they have brought Sisilia Tuipulotu back into their side at tighthead as one of four changes to the team.

Jasmine Joyce, Alisha Butchers and Keira Bevan are the other new players in.

The Wales head coach said: "We have put the fallow