A last-play try and conversion for the women’s Irish rugby team was not only special for the fact that it gave them a one point 15-14 victory over Scotland, but there were other elements to take into account as well.
It was also revenge for the last-gasp defeat the Scots inflicted on the Ireland in September’s World Cup qualifying game, and while it won’t come close to fully erasing the pain of missing out on World Cup qualification, it will help in Ireland’s recovery.
The win also showed extraordinary self-belief and will, following the controversy after Ireland’s 69-0 loss to England, when seven players were taken out of the squad to play for the 7s team.
To comeback and stay in the fight, while women's rugby in Ireland faces such adversity, was impressive to watch, and no doubt one of the reasons for the wild full-time celebrations.
Highlights
Scotland had a dominant start to the game, scoring after just four minutes, with a try from Evie Gallagher.
😍 Things you love to see: back row forwards slotting 40m penalties.
Great nudge from @IrishRugby number eight @HannahOConnor22 👏#TikTokW6N | #IREvSCO | #SuperSaturday pic.twitter.com/m9trzaZkZe— TikTok Women's Six Nations (@Womens6Nations) April 30, 2022
Ireland then hit back with a glorious long-range penalty from backrower Hannah O’Connor, before heading into half-time with an 8-5 lead after a try from player of the match Neve Jones.
Scotland’s Helen Nelson kicked three unanswered penalties after the break, leaving it to centre Enya Breen to secure an exhilarating win with a brilliantly finished try and a nerveless conversion.
Speaking with RTE Sport after the match Irish head coach Greg McWilliams praised his side’s skill and ‘inspirational’ fight.
"It was important for the players. I thought it was one of those games that got away from us, at times we didn't have the accuracy, but to stay in the fight like they did is inspirational. That's what we always ask of this group, they're playing for something much more than themselves, and to see that it's great. I want to be successful as a head coach, I want us to be the most successful Irish team we can be, and that's my goal.
"But result is a by-product of the process, and at times our process today was poor, we struggled to execute, but when it mattered most at the end, they were able to front up, look after the ball well, and work to the right periods and spaces around the posts, and then to take the opportunity, Enya Breen thank God got over to score they try."
✅Wrap your arms
✅Drive through the legs
✅ Perfect
"That's how you do it, for the kids watching at home"
💪 A pretty much perfect tackle from @DjougangLinda #TikTokW6N | #IREvSCO | #SuperSaturday pic.twitter.com/NMHrMNwpcv— TikTok Women's Six Nations (@Womens6Nations) April 30, 2022
"I think it's important we review this analytically as coaches. There are things I think I can do better, but like everything else it's about getting really well at the basic skill levels of the game, and getting confident under presser and trying to execute.
"The one thing you take from this Six Nations is you can't be a winning team without having real guts and heart, but you also need the technical and tactical astuteness to be more consistent. Really proud of the players and how they went about their business, but there's a lot of work we have to do which is a good thing.”
The win means Ireland finish their 2022 Six Nations campaign in fourth place, as they head into a pivotal few months for Irish rugby, with the women’s game in need of vital support.
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