Six-try Ireland excel in Wallaroos victory

IRELAND 36-10 AUSTRALIA

Ireland Women scored six tries as they claimed a superb 36-10 victory over Australia at the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast.

Scott Bemand's side's win kicked off the IRFU's 150th anniversary celebrations in style with the superb Aoife Wafer crossing twice.

Four places higher than Ireland in the ranking in fifth, the Wallaroos simply couldn't match the hosts' skill, tenacity and discipline.

The win, Ireland's second in five meetings with Australia, sets Bemand's charges up well ahead for their trip to Vancouver where they will face New Zealand, USA and Canada in WXV1.

Aoife Dalton, Eimear Considine, Eve Higgins and Clíodhna Moloney scored the other tries with Dannah O'Brien and Enya Breen (2) adding conversions in what was Ireland's best performance under Bemand since he took over in the summer of 2023.

It was almost the perfect start from Ireland.

Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe earned a jackal penalty and Ireland moved into the 22 with a maul that Australia had no choice but to pull down.

Initially the visitors repelled Ireland but forwards and backs stayed patient and scrambled cleverly when a couple of passes didn't go to hand.

Linda Djougang was stopped on the line but centre Dalton (below) wriggled over for a score converted by O'Brien.

But Australia hit back straight away, working good position after Ireland were penalised at a scrum.

Cecilia Smith and Desiree Miller punched holes up the middle before winger Maya Stewart straightened up between two Irish defenders to touch down.

Then it was Ireland's turn with the ball in hand and following a lineout close to the line, Ireland recycled before O'Brien popped a perfect pass to Wafer (below) who powered over for her third international try.

It was all attack for the