Rugby

Women’s Six Nations: Ireland a ‘better team’ after record loss to England in 2024

Having lost to France in their opening match in Belfast, Ireland rebounded in impressive style in Parma with Anna McGann scoring three of her side’s eight tries.

It was Ireland’s first away Six Nations win since 2021 but world number one England represent a much stiffer challenge.

“We all know what happened last year. We’re an honest group and happy to talk about it but we feel we’ve moved our game on,” said Bemand.

“With the result last week and managing to keep the scoreboard ticking and get to 50 [points], which we haven’t done in recent times, hopefully that’s showing that confidence in the group is growing.

“We’re further down the road than we were last year and I think we can fire some shots this weekend.”

Bemand, who has been Ireland boss since 2023, said the side do not have any fresh injury concerns for the England game but added Saturday will come too soon for Beibhinn Parsons.

The 23-year-old missed the France and Italy games after suffering a second leg break in the space of five months while on Sevens duty in December.

Bemand said Parsons is “not back in the circle for selection just yet but it’s coming quickly”.

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