Anna Caplice column: 'Ireland didn't need to beat France to show progress'

With three rounds and now the fallow week behind us, it’s full speed ahead until the Guinness Women’s Six Nations reaches its peak in Round 5’s blockbuster Super Sunday.

The opening three rounds for Ireland were full of lessons and a combination of contrasting emotions. A disappointing loss but a spirited second half at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, against England in front of 77,000 fans.

A nine try feast and the taste of sweet and convincing victory in the Galway sunshine in Round 2 in front of a record home crowd, and a mammoth 80 minutes in the depths of French rugby territory where Ireland threw everything at Les Bleues in Clermont. But were left ruing the many camera angles that denied them three tries.

Round 3 was always going to be the “what if” game. Although Ireland felt like it could have been the occasion to finally trip up France in their back garden, it was always going to be a very big ask.

I didn’t want to say this out loud before the game, because I really believed that it could have been an Irish victory, but in order to show true progress Ireland didn’t need to win.

They needed to put in an 80-minute performance – which they did – and push France to perform at their best that we’ve seen them this tournament. Which they also did.

Ireland’s mission is very clear for the final run in of two home games; win and win. It is the other key element for Ireland to strengthen their case as a team deserving of being at women’s rugby’s top table.

Neither task is a given. Wales come to town having scored four tries and nabbed a rare bonus point against world champions in Round 3.

Wales are showing all the signs of a squad truly growing under their leadership in Sean Lynn some 13 months after his arrival in the role. A hugely proud Welsh man and a coach who values the cultural and personal sides to the game. It is no wonder they are finally feeling they are developing under his guidance.

However, they do come to Belfast on Saturday without a win to their name in this tournament. If Ireland are determined to put on a dominant performance and show where they really belong, well then Wales will do everything in their power to say that they want a seat at this table too.

There are interesting battles all over the park with maybe the most interesting match-up at out-half. Dannah O’Brien has been outstanding for Ireland and it is around the power of her left boot that Ireland has built its game plan around. At only 22 years old, she is second place for most kicks in play so far this tournament.

With 58 kicks and at the top of the statistics is the likely choice for the Welsh number 10 jersey, Lleucu George. The Gloucester Hartpury out-half can reach a heck of a distance when called on and is known to land an outstanding 50:22 at times.

The battle of the boot should be a spectacular watch but it will be their playmaking and governing ability of both their forward pack and backline attack that will be the true test of this rivalry at 10.

O’Brien’s half-back sidekick in Emily Lane has also been on top form. She has delivered 248 passes so far this tournament, the most of any player, which is a nod to her work rate and also Ireland’s ambition in attack.

Opposite her is a Welsh woman who is no stranger to broking Irish hearts when she’s at her best. Keira Bevan has a knack to snipe around the ruck and find spaces to get in behind defensive lines. She also offers a box kick option that Wales are fond of using to create aerial battles and clear their lines.

Other delectable duels that we will be treated to are between hookers Cliodhna Moloney-McDonald and Kelsey Jones who have scored three tries apiece. Full-backs Stacey Flood and Kayleigh Powell are both electric on the ball and enjoy beating defenders for fun.

And, lastly, the clash of the captains with both Erin King and Bethan Lewis wearing the number seven jersey. Both the Irish and Welsh skippers are the epitome of what both teams are trying to achieve. Wicked work rate, extraordinary energy and huge heart.