Tierney wary of threat posed by Italy

Women’s Six Nations: The word from Florence, where Ireland’s Women begin their Six Nations campaign against Italy this evening, is that conditions will be wet although nothing like two years ago when a first ever Grand Slam was sucked out of a Milanese quagmire.

Ireland squeezed home on a scoreline of 6-3 that day thanks to a pair of kicks from full-back Niamh Briggs.

The promise of a decent track should suit an Irish side with plenty of pace, talent and smarts as it chases an opening win.