Ireland had to come from behind to claim the honours after two first half penalties by centre Robyn Wilkins gave Wales a 6-3 lead at the break. With all the elements in Ireland’s favour in the second half it never really looked enough of a cushion for Rachel Taylor’s side, and so it proved.
Ireland full back Niamh Briggs, returning from injury, knocked over a 39th minute penalty to bring the score to within three points at halftime and with the howling wind on their backs and the driving rain in the faces of the Welsh side, the home side were licking their lips as the second half began.
Wales’ defence held Ireland at bay with centre Rebecca de Filippo putting in some big hits in the Irish midfield. Handling was extremely difficult in the prevailing weather conditions with both sides struggling to keep hold of the ball.
The scrums and lineouts proved a lottery but it was from one such set-piece that Ireland eventually hit the lead, and kept it.
In the 60th minute Heather O’Brien exploded from a scrum to power over to score the decisive try. Briggs attempted conversion was blown wide but Ireland played the conditions superbly, keeping Wales trapped deep inside their own territory.
Brave Welsh defense held Ireland at bay until the dying seconds when second row Shona Powell Hughes received a yellow card for pulling down a driving maul. Briggs sealed the win with her third penalty of the evening.
Ireland now head for Triple Crown glory with a match against England next up while Wales are still seeking their first win of the campaign.
