Best Is Yet To Come From Women’s Team

With Ireland preparing to host Wales next weekend in Dublin, Irish second row Geri Healy maintains that the best is yet to come from the team who have beaten Italy and Scotland and lost narrowly to France already this season.

The Leinster lock, who has been in impressive form in the green jersey this year, said that two massive challenges remain for Ireland in the form of Wales and England over the coming weeks.

“Two wins from three is a pretty good campaign so far. We really ran the French close in Paris and the result came down to the bounce of the ball in the end,” said Healy.

“It was great to put away two good wins in front of big home crowds at St. Mary’s College RFC when we won against Scotland and Italy but I feel we’re yet to play our best rugby so the next two games should be interesting. You couldn’t ask for more challenging opponents than Wales and England.”

Healy, who scored in both of the games against Italy and France, is part of a very settled Irish pack who have put in some excellent performances to date in 2008 and she has been pleased with their contribution so far.

“Personally, if I can get this far in one piece I’m generally pretty happy! We’re a very close unit in the Irish pack and have consistently played together since the World Cup (in 2006).

“That kind of experience together helps us to create some serious go-forward ball and this year I’ve been lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time to finish scores off.”.

Wales travel to Ireland on the back of a solid season so far. They have chalked up wins over Italy and Scotland following an opening day defeat by England.

Over the past few years there has rarely been more than a score between these two teams but Ireland know that a win could see them finish in the top three for the first time ever so they will not be short on incentive on Friday week.

“Wales are difficult opposition to play. Every time we’ve met in the last three years it has come down to the wire. They have some very experienced players and are very physical in the contact area. It’s always a tough one and we’ve no reason to think that this occasion will be any different.”

Home advantage, Healy added, could be key.

“Playing on a home ground is a serious advantage in games like this. Any extras that fall in your favour like that just allow you to take to the park with an extra something in the bag.

“St Mary’s is a fantastic home venue and playing under lights has really added to that ‘big game’ feeling. Personally, I find it incredibly powerful to take to the park knowing that your friends and family are on the sidelines cheering you on so we always look forward to playing at home.”

The Ireland Women’s side’s clash with Wales is at Templeville Road on Friday, March 7 (kick-off 7.30pm) – make sure you get out and support the girls in green!