Wales head to Dublin this weekend to meet Ireland at Donnybrook on Sunday (1.00pm kick-off, live on S4C) who beat Scotland 18-14 in their opening fixture, and will be looking to match their 24-5 triumph on home soil in last season’s tournament and their last-minute autumn victory over their Irish counterparts.
Lillicrap was at the heart of a massive defensive effort against Italy, last season’s runners-up, that saw Wales stay in the hunt for victory right to the death before finally going down 19-15 at Cardiff Arms Park.
“We defended for long spells in our 22 and managed to stop them on numerous occasions. We have a strong desire not to concede tries and the girls worked really hard,” said Lillicrap.
“There were one or two opportunities we left out there and we need to look after the ball better and work on how we transition down the field. We need to be more clinical as well.
“Ireland are a good side who enjoyed a good win over Scotland last weekend. They are still trying to qualify for the Rugby World Cup, so we know they are going to be up for it.
“But I know from everything we’ve analysed from our game against Italy that we can go out there and have a great performance.
“The storm will certainly affect the conditions and we will prepare accordingly. We have got to believe in ourselves.
“We are hungry for it. We were emotional after the defeat to Italy – because we were frustrated we didn’t take more from the game. That feeling has translated into our training this week.
“We want to get better and better and we aren’t content to lie down and be good losers any more. We want to put in performances that make people turn their heads.”
Head coach Chris Horsman has tinkered with his side, bringing Manon Johnes and Alisha Butchers into the back row with a direct switch from the bench with Beth Lewis and Alex Callender.
