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Wales Women

Lleucu George of Wales celebrates with Wales Women teammates after kicking the conversion to win the game.

Win will boost squad, says Phillips ahead of Ireland clash

Wales Women head coach Rowland Phillips is buoyant on the effect their first win of the Women’s Six Nations will have on the squad ahead of their final game, at home to Ireland on Sunday (Cardiff Arms Park, 1.30pm).

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The young side beat Scotland 17-15 on Friday evening with a last minute try for Siwan Lillicrap, converted by 19 year old Lleucu George on her first Six Nations start.

“It will lift the whole group,” said the former dual-code international backrow.
“We’ve spoken a lot about the character of this group in adverse situations and to come back and score the try and for a 19 year old on her first start in the centre to slot the conversion epitomises a real never-give-up attitude.

“To get a win is going to help the development of this group no end. Whatever I say is not going to have the same impact as a win. Getting that result creates an extra energy and spring in the step of the players and we need to capitalise on that this week.

“We’ve put a lot of effort in this campaign. We probably created some opportunities that we didn’t take on Friday, but we knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Scotland were physical and very direct.

“We put ourselves under pressure but to manage that last block was really pleasing.

“It’s been a tough tournament, starting with France away, one of the most difficult fixtures in the campaign, but we’re really looking forward to coming home for our final match this Sunday, especially with a first win under our belt.

“Ireland have always stepped up in the Six Nations, especially against Wales. The challenge isn’t going to get any easier but it feels different after a win. Everyone will be excited now to get on the pitch against Ireland.

“Women’s rugby is really growing all the time and we’ve had some outstanding coverage and profile during this tournament.

“Friday night’s match was probably one for the purists with the conditions meaning it was a tight and physical battle but I think many people would have seen the character of the group during that match, and the attitude and determination of the girls to represent their country.

We have the ability to play fast flowing rugby too and we’d like to be able to show that on Sunday.

“We have the ability to play fast flowing rugby too and we’d like to be able to show that on Sunday.”

“We have a few bumps and bruises which we’ll assess this week but our preparation and conditioning work pre-season has really helped our fitness and you always bounce back quicker after a win!”

Wales Women play Ireland at Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday 17 March 1.30pm. Tickets available from Cardiff Blues ticket office

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