Ireland player ratings v Wales | 2026 Guinness Women's Six Nations

There was nothing particularly flashy about Ireland‘s 33-12 win over Wales in Round 4 of the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations.

But it was a job well done by Scott Bemand’s team at Affidea Stadium in Belfast. Both Aoife Wafer and Brittany Hogan got a brace for the home side, while Béibhinn Parsons was the hosts’ other try scorer.

Wales’ points came courtesy of Georgia Evans, Jasmine Joyce and a Keira Bevan conversion as Sean Lynn’s team continue to build confidence.

Next up for Ireland is Scotland, who they will host at Aviva Stadium for the first time in a standalone fixture at the national stadium.

Before all that, here are Ireland’s player ratings from their 33-12 win over Wales in Belfast…

15. Stacey Flood – 6

An unproblematic afternoon at the back for Stacey Flood. She enjoyed 60 minutes on the pitch before being replaced by Niamh Gallagher in the closing stages. Nothing hugely troubled her in defence either. In fact Flood did not make a tackle.

14. Béibhinn Parsons – 6

Another try on the board for Béibhinn Parsons this afternoon. It was a confidently taken score in the first half that really displayed how Ireland approached the fixture. Even so, that score and two line breaks was about as exciting as it got for the 24-year-old.

13. Aoife Dalton – 6

By Aoife Dalton’s standards this was a quiet day at the office. Put plainly Dalton did the role that was asked of her, defended well and had a low error count. Onto the next one.

12. Eve Higgins – 7

Restored to the starting XV, Eve Higgins had a barnstorming afternoon in Belfast. As ever it was the 26-year-old’s well-rounded game that allowed her to thrive. In total the Dubliner carried the ball 16 times for 71 metres, made three line breaks and even made nine tackles. Impressive.

11. Robyn O’Connor – 5

A reasonably quiet afternoon for Robyn O’Connor on the wing in all. Did manage 36 metres from only seven carries. However there was not much to write home about outside of that.

10. Dannah O’Brien – 7

There is a real sense that Dannah O’Brien has found a new level of confidence at this Women’s Six Nations. The 22-year-old kicked four conversions, executed Ireland’s kicking gam and linked play together serenely. O’Brien is going from strength to strength, and you absolutely love to see it.

9. Emily Lane – 6

To say Emily Lane was busy on Saturday would be doing the scrum-half a disservice. In 66 minutes the 27-year-old completed 91 passed. As ever her service was picture perfect and Ireland were kept constantly moving forward and on the front foot.

1. Ellena Perry – 7

Ellena Perry does everything well. At the scrum Ireland enjoyed 100 per cent success rate, plus in the loose Perry logged 22 metres from seven carries. She even completed seven tackles. Not a bad Round 4 whatsoever.

2. Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald – 4

Not a game that Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald will look back too fondly on. The hooker seemed slightly out of sorts all afternoon as she gave away a team high four penalties and even received a yellow cards for her trouble. An off day, but you can always be certain a better one is around the corner.

3. Linda Djougang – 7

A lesser-seen full game from a tighthead prop. Then again, nothing should come as a surprise when it comes to Linda Djougang. There was nothing overly special when it came to the 29-year-old’s efforts, it is just her calm consistency in every facet of the game that truly pushes her to the next level.

4. Dorothy Wall – 7

Got through a lot of ugly work on Saturday night. Registered 10 tackles across her 60 minutes on the pitch and also carried the ball 11 times for a painstaking eight metres.

5. Fiona Tuite – 6

It was not an absolute barn burner f0r Fiona Tuite at Affixed Stadium. Although, in fairness, not every performance has to be. Regularly a solid performer for Scott Bemand’s side, this game was no different.

6. Brittany Hogan – 9

Hard to truly describe how excellent Brittany Hogan has been for Ireland across the Women’s Six Nations. The Sale Sharks back-row scored two tries today against Wales, physically imposed herself in defence and can be very pleased with her efforts – which included 23 carries and 13 tackles. Another player whose stock is continually rising.

7. Erin King – 7

Another high-quality performance from Ireland’s captain. While Erin King did not quite reach the heights of her back-row teammates, the 22-year-old still made 12 tackles and made 11 carries. You do feel like we are yet to see the very best of King back in an Ireland shirt, but we cannot be far off.

8. Aoife Wafer – 9

Home comforts must really appeal to Aoife Wafer. Just like three weeks ago against Italy the 23-year-old shone on home soil and picked up Player of the Match in Belfast. Had some really nice touches on her way to two tries, which included beating nine defenders and making a team-high 89 metres.

Replacements

16. Neve Jones – 6

Got two spells off the bench for Ireland thanks to Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald’s yellow card. As you have come to expects, a calming decisive figure for Ireland.

17. Sadhbh McGrath – 5

A steady 20 minute cameo for the loosehead as Ireland saw out the contest.

18. Eilis Cahill – N/A

Did not make it onto the pitch.

19. Ruth Campbell – 5

Another of those players that Scott Bemand wanted to subdue Wales with late on. Got 20 minutes on the turf, nothing flashy, but nothing wrong either.

20. Sam Monaghan – 5

As steady as you like from the bench from Monaghan. Always brings a steady head to the pack.

21. Grace Moore – 5

Was only on the pitch for 14 minutes and did not have time to really impose herself.

22. Katie Whelan – 5

Nothing to scream about from the Wexford native off the bench. Helped Ireland see out the game.

23. Niamh Gallagher – 6

Looked relatively unphased at a first international outing. Great to see a players’ club form rewarded with Test rugby.