The Welsh side scored three tries in the 29-19 loss at Energia Park on Sunday, a first half touchdown after good forward play from hooker Kelsey Jones and two scores from counter-attack play straight after the break from flyer Jasmine Joyce. There was disappointment with an ankle injury sustained by No 8 Sioned Harries, with further assessment to come this week, but overall Rowland believes the match was a useful build-up to next week’s Six Nations opener against France.
“Sunday’s match against Ireland Women was a very positive exercise as part of our Six Nations preparation,” said Phillips.
“It was good to remind ourselves of the intensity of international rugby, especially in the contact area, and was an excellent hit-out for all involved. The only negative was losing Sioned Harries to injury and we are awaiting further assessment this week.
“The game itself required a big defensive effort in the first half. We went in 15-7 down at half-time after a try for Kelsey Jones following some good forward play, converted by Robyn Wilkins. We produced some good counter-attack play after the break, leading to two quick tries for Jazz and Robyn adding another conversion to take us into a 19-15 lead.
“Sioned is a key player and her injury stopped the game for a period. After that we lost our momentum in the game. We need to work on our discipline as, at times, we failed to capitalise on pressure we put on Ireland and gave away penalties at key moments. We can’t afford to do that when we come up against France in two weeks’ time.
“We’ve watched their games against New Zealand in the autumn and we know they’re going to be a formidable challenge but we are all excited by it. By all accounts, there’s going to be a fantastic atmosphere in Montpellier with a huge crowd. We’re certainly not the finished article and it’s going to be another step up from the autumn but if we are ambitious as a team, these are the Tests we need to front up to. It will be difficult but very rewarding if we produce a performance to be proud of.”
Wales Women host Women’s Six Nations matches against England and Ireland at Cardiff Arms Park
Sunday 24 February 12.30 Wales Women v England
Sunday 17 March 1.30pm Wales Women v Ireland
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS FOR BOTH THESE MATCHES OR GO TO CARDIFF BLUES BOX OFFICE
