Ciara Griffin: Closing the gap but Ireland’s next step is turning pressure into points

Scott Bemand's side take on Wales on Saturday night. 

SAFE HANDS: Linda Djougang during an Ireland Women's Rugby captain's run at Pirrie Park in Belfast. Pic: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile

Ireland return to Six Nations action Saturday night knowing an opportunity was left behind in Clermont against France, but also carrying the belief that they are edging closer to competing consistently with the elite sides in the tournament. Their 26-7 defeat at Stade Marcel Michelin hurt because, for long stretches, Scott Bemand’s side looked capable of producing a statement victory against one of Europe’s heavyweights.

The frustration for Ireland was not in their ability to create chances, but in what happened when they got there. They entered the French 22 on 12 occasions and came away with just seven points. France, by contrast, showed the ruthless efficiency that separates title contenders from chasing sides, scoring 26 points from only six entries into the Irish 22.