Importance Score: 20 / 100 🔵
Women’s Six Nations Live: Ireland Host England in Cork
Excitement builds as Ireland prepares to face England in a crucial Women’s Six Nations rugby union match. Rugby enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating this clash, set in Cork, where Ireland aims to challenge England’s dominant run in the tournament.
Key Match Events
Kick-off!
England opts to receive as the first half commences, and the match is now underway.
France Secure Victory Over Wales
Earlier today, in the Women’s Six Nations, France solidified their unblemished record, moving closer to a potential Grand Slam showdown against England. Unfortunately, Welsh supporters continue their wait for positive news as France defeated Wales.
France continued their flawless start to the Women’s Six Nations campaign, securing a 42-12 victory over Wales in Brive. This bonus-point win keeps them firmly in contention for the Grand Slam.
Emilie Boulard initiated the scoring for France with an early try in the corner. Wales responded swiftly with a try from Kate Williams following a lineout drive. Boulard then scored again in the 16th minute, capitalizing on robust carries from the French pack. Wales managed another close-range try just before halftime via Gwen Crabb.
Rose Bernadou had a try disallowed for a dropped ball. However, as the first half concluded, Manon Bigot, the hooker, scored from a lineout, and Morgane Bourgeois converted to give France a 21-12 lead at halftime. In the second half, France co-captain Manaé Feleu powered over to secure the bonus point within four minutes. Wales had a try by Courtney Keight negated due to obstruction.
In the closing stages, Wales conceded a penalty try after a scrum infringement, resulting in Maisie Davies receiving a yellow card. France capitalized on their momentum, with replacement Lea Champon scoring late in the game.
Team Lineups Announced
In a sign of respect for Ireland, England coach John Mitchell has selected a near full-strength team, making minimal changes after significant rotations in previous games. Alex Matthews returns from suspension to start at No 8, replacing Maddie Feaunati. Maud Muir and Hannah Botterman also come into the front row, substituting Mackenzie Carson (injured) and Sarah Bern.
Ireland has also made three alterations to their lineup. Dorothy Wall, Brittany Hogan, and Emily Lane have earned starting positions after impressive performances off the bench against Italy. Edel McMahon and Enya Breen are unavailable for the hosts due to injuries. A compelling matchup is anticipated between rising star Aoife Wafer and the experienced Alex Matthews.
Ireland Team
Stacey Flood; Anna McGann, Aoife Dalton, Eve Higgins, Amee-Leigh Costigan (capt); Dannah O’Brien, Emily Lane; Niamh O’Dowd, Neve Jones, Linda Djougang, Fiona Tuite, Dorothy Wall, Brittany Hogan, Erin King, Aoife Wafer.
Replacements: Cliodhna Moloney, Siobhán McCarthy, Christy Haney, Ruth Campbell, Grace Moore, Aoibheann Reilly, Nicole Fowley, Vicky Elmes Kinlan.
England Team
Ellie Kildunne; Abby Dow, Megan Jones, Tatyana Heard, Jess Breach; Zoe Harrison, Natasha Hunt; Hannah Botterman, Lark Atkin-Davies, Maud Muir, Morwenna Talling, Abbie Ward, Zoe Aldcroft (capt), Sadia Kabeya, Alex Matthews.
Replacements: Amy Cockayne, Kelsey Clifford, Sarah Bern, Rosie Galligan, Maddie Feaunati, Lucy Packer, Holly Aitchison, Helena Rowland.
Referee: Aurélie Groizeleau (Fr)
Match Preview
England enters this match as formidable opponents, boasting a 31-game winning streak in the Women’s Six Nations and maximum points from their first two games of 2025. However, Ireland is a significantly improved side compared to last year’s encounter at Twickenham. Playing in Cork, England’s Red Roses will face a youthful and developing Irish team that has made substantial progress since their last wooden spoon finish in this competition two years prior.
Ireland’s notable achievement was their victory over world champions New Zealand last autumn. It would be a major upset if Scott Bemand’s team could halt the powerful England team. Despite an initial defeat against France, Ireland demonstrated resilience by scoring 54 points against Italy in Parma.
Both teams feature players who recently scored hat-tricks: Amy McGann for Ireland against Italy, and Ellie Kildunne for England against Wales. With the Women’s Rugby World Cup approaching, every match serves as a crucial audition for England’s players.
A vibrant atmosphere is expected at Virgin Media Park, with ticket sales indicating a near-capacity crowd. The key question is whether Ireland can maintain composure and challenge England, or if England’s momentum will continue. Kick-off is scheduled for 4.45pm BST.
Live Updates: Ireland vs England
9 min: Ireland launches a maul, driving towards the England try line, spurred on by the vocal home crowd. Linda Djougang is stopped just short! England’s defense resists, but concedes a penalty to Ireland. The attack continues for the hosts.
8 min: Abby Dow catches another well-placed kick by O’Brien, but is quickly tackled out of play by two Irish defenders. Lineout to Ireland inside England’s half.
6 min: England presses deep into Ireland’s 22, seeking an opening. This is the first significant test for the Irish defense. Muir carries, but Ireland wins a crucial penalty, relieving the pressure.
5 min: A precise kick from Zoe Harrison puts Stacey Flood under pressure, resulting in a knock-on. Scrum to England in Irish territory.
3 min: Ireland commits a knock-on. England counters, initiating an attack, but Brittany Hogan makes an excellent tackle to halt their progress.
1 min: Dannah O’Brien executes a confident opening kick, landing deep into the corner. A composed start for Ireland. England claims the lineout, secured by captain Zoe Aldcroft.
Match Commences!
England to receive for the first half. We are live!
Pre-match atmosphere is electric at Virgin Media Park. A palpable sense of anticipation fills the air. It’s been a decade since Ireland last defeated England in the Women’s Six Nations. The home fans are hoping for a major upset as kickoff approaches.
England team enters the field first in Cork, followed by Ireland, led by local Munster player Amee-Leigh Costigan. The weather is fine, albeit cloudy. National anthems are about to begin!
England coach, John Mitchell, acknowledges Ireland’s progress in a pre-match interview. “Ireland has shown marked improvement,” Mitchell noted. “They’ve improved their set piece. They utilize a strong maul effectively, and Dannah O’Brien’s kicking game is a real asset. They have developed a clear identity.”
Mitchell remained non-committal regarding Zoe Harrison’s assured place at No 10, despite her consistent selection and Holly Aitchison being named among the replacements again.
Commentators Maggie Alphonsi and Simon Middleton offer insights. Alphonsi believes England is yet to reach their peak in this Six Nations tournament, a potentially ominous prospect for their rivals, but notes they are progressing well. Middleton highlights the significant advancements Ireland has made under coach Scott Bemand.
Abby Dow Milestone: Today marks Abby Dow’s 50th international cap for England! The prolific winger has scored 43 tries in her 49 previous appearances. England attack coach Lou Meadows praised Dow’s intelligence alongside her athletic prowess.
Abby Dow scores a try for England against Wales in the 2025 Women’s Six Nations.
Aoife Wafer’s Determined Outlook: Aoife Wafer has expressed Ireland’s ambition to challenge England and cause an upset in Cork. Her pre-match comments are certainly worth reading.
Related: Aoife Wafer says revived Ireland are targeting major upset for England
France Triumph Over Wales in Six Nations Encounter
The day’s opening Women’s Six Nations fixture has concluded, with France continuing their campaign strongly. They are now aiming for a potential Grand Slam decider against England in their final match at Twickenham. Unfortunately, Welsh supporters are still waiting for a victory as France proved too strong.
France extended their perfect record in the Women’s Six Nations with a convincing 42-12 bonus-point victory over Wales in Brive, maintaining their Grand Slam aspirations.
Emilie Boulard, returning to the starting lineup, initiated the scoring for France with a try in the corner, giving them an early advantage. Wales responded with Kate Williams scoring from a lineout drive. Boulard then added her second try in the 16th minute, following powerful runs by the French forwards. Wales managed to score again before halftime through Gwen Crabb.
A try by Rose Bernadou was disallowed due to a handling error. However, just before the halftime whistle, hooker Manon Bigot scored from a lineout, and Morgane Bourgeois converted, pushing France’s lead to 21-12 at the break. Early in the second half, French co-captain Manaé Feleu scored to secure the bonus point. Wales had a try by Courtney Keight ruled out for obstruction.
Manaé Feleu in action against Wales.
With 13 minutes remaining, Wales conceded a penalty try due to collapsing a scrum, which also led to Maisie Davies being sin-binned. France capitalized on their sustained pressure, with replacement Lea Champon scoring a further try in the final moments of the match.
Confirmed Teams for Ireland vs England Clash
England’s selection of a strong lineup to face Ireland, after making 13 changes in previous matches, signals respect for their opponents. Alex Matthews returns to the starting XV at No 8 following a suspension, replacing Maddie Feaunati. Props Maud Muir and Hannah Botterman are also included, replacing Mackenzie Carson (ruled out due to injury) and Sarah Bern.
Ireland has also made three changes to their team. Dorothy Wall, Brittany Hogan, and Emily Lane are promoted to the starting lineup after strong performances as replacements in their 54-12 victory over Italy. The home side will be without Edel McMahon and Enya Breen due to injuries. An intriguing contest is expected between rising talent Aoife Wafer and experienced Alex Matthews.
Ireland Starting XV
Stacey Flood; Anna McGann, Aoife Dalton, Eve Higgins, Amee-Leigh Costigan (capt); Dannah O’Brien, Emily Lane; Niamh O’Dowd, Neve Jones, Linda Djougang, Fiona Tuite, Dorothy Wall, Brittany Hogan, Erin King, Aoife Wafer.
Replacements: Cliodhna Moloney, Siobhán McCarthy, Christy Haney, Ruth Campbell, Grace Moore, Aoibheann Reilly, Nicole Fowley, Vicky Elmes Kinlan.
England Starting XV
Ellie Kildunne; Abby Dow, Megan Jones, Tatyana Heard, Jess Breach; Zoe Harrison, Natasha Hunt; Hannah Botterman, Lark Atkin-Davies, Maud Muir, Morwenna Talling, Abbie Ward, Zoe Aldcroft (capt), Sadia Kabeya, Alex Matthews.
Replacements: Amy Cockayne, Kelsey Clifford, Sarah Bern, Rosie Galligan, Maddie Feaunati, Lucy Packer, Holly Aitchison, Helena Rowland.
Referee: Aurélie Groizeleau (Fr)
Match Anticipation: Ireland vs England Women’s Six Nations
England enters today’s Women’s Six Nations match against Ireland with an impressive streak. Undefeated in their last 31 Six Nations games and securing maximum points in their opening two matches of 2025, they appear to be the clear favorites. However, the Ireland team they face today is not the same team they easily defeated at Twickenham last year. In Cork, before a passionate home crowd, England’s Red Roses are set to encounter a significantly improved and youthful Irish side. This Irish team has shown considerable development since their last wooden spoon finish in the competition two years ago.
A highlight of Ireland’s recent progress includes their stunning victory over reigning world champions New Zealand last autumn. Despite this victory, overcoming the seemingly unstoppable England team would represent an even greater upset. In their Six Nations opener, Ireland suffered a defeat to France, but they quickly rebounded with a dominant 54-point performance against Italy in Parma, showcasing their attacking capabilities.
Intriguingly, both squads feature players coming into this game on the heels of scoring hat-tricks. Amy McGann achieved this feat for Ireland against Italy, while Ellie Kildunne, the current world player of the year, scored three tries in just nine minutes against Wales. England possesses quality throughout their team, and with the upcoming home World Cup year, each game serves as an essential opportunity for players to impress and secure their place in the squad.
A vibrant and loud atmosphere is expected at Virgin Media Park. Over 7,000 tickets have already been sold for the 8,008-capacity stadium, suggesting a near sell-out crowd. The key questions for today’s match are: Can Ireland maintain composure, withstand the pressure, and truly test their English visitors? Or will England continue their powerful trajectory in the Women’s Six Nations? Kick-off is imminent at 4.45pm BST.