Women's Six Nations: Wales come from behind to secure bonus-point 27-19 win over Ireland

Wales got their Women's Six Nations campaign off to a successful start by coming from behind to seal a bonus-point 27-19 win over Ireland in Dublin.

Tries from Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe and Linda Djougang to a score from Carys Phillips had the hosts 14-5 ahead after a hugely competitive first half.

Welsh replacement Donna Rose crossed twice in the second half, with Jasmine Joyce and Hannah Jones also going over.

Stacey Flood registered Ireland's only second-half points with her score.

This is the first Six Nations where Wales have fielded professional players.

Ten of their starting XV became full-time athletes in January, while another four are on retainer contracts.

The Welsh are preparing for the World Cup in the autumn while Ireland head coach Greg McWilliams was taking charge for the first time as the Irish aim to recover from their failure to qualify for that tournament and overcome a turbulent period on and off the pitch.

This triumph at the RDS ended a seven-game losing streak for Wales in the Women's Six Nations and exacted some revenge for a 45-0 mauling by the Irish last year, Ireland having enjoyed the upper hand in matches between the sides in recent years, winning nine out of their last 10 meetings in the competition.

Wales finished last in the 2021 Six Nations, with Ireland third.

New Ireland coach Greg McWilliams' desire to see his young and inexperienced team play a more expansive, attacking style reaped dividends when Murphy Crowe completed a fine flowing move by shrugging off an attempted tackle and diving over in the corner in the 17th minute. Nicole Cronin added the extras.

Wales were well in the match though and responded when former captain Carys Phillips, making her first Six Nations appearance for two years,