Reid set for Azzurri battle

IRELAND Women’s team enter this afternoon’s Six Nations tussle with Italy at Colleferro brimful of confidence.

The splendid opening day win over France leaves Ireland in a promising position, and manager Rachel Reid believes the team are making encouraging progress.

“France and England are traditionally the big guns and we were delighted to take such a scalp,” said Reid.

“Finally beating France has given everyone involved a huge lift. We have always had tough matches against Italy, and we are treating them with respect.”

IRELAND (v Italy): J O’Sullivan (Richmond), J Feighery (UL Bohs), L Cantwell (UL Bohs), H Brosnan (Highfield), A Davis (Blackrock), N Briggs (Clonmel), T Rosser (Blackrock); F Coghlan (UL Bohs), Y Nolan (Blackrock), G Bourke (UL Bohs), C Mahon (UL Bohs), O Brennan (Blackrock), L Austin (Blackrock), S Ryan (Blackrock), J Neville (Shannon).

Replacements: J Limbert (Cooke), E McManamly (Blackrock), K O’Loughlin (Clonmel), C Molloy (Cardiff Harlequins), L Beamish (UL Bohs), S Houston (Blackrock), G Davitt (Blackrock).