Stapleton: With France we know what to expect

Women’s Six Nations: Ireland’s opening 70 minutes against Italy bodes well for this Six Nations campaign, but Nora Stapleton insists the side aim to atone for a disappointing finish as they meet champions France in Ashbourne tonight.

Tom Tierney secured a 30-5 victory in Florence seven days ago in what was his first game in charge. Leading just 7-0 at half-time, Ireland proceeded to turn the screw with four more tries before Flavia Severin claimed a late consolation for the hosts. It represented a good night’s work for an outfit that handed a starting debut to wing Hannah Tyrrell and five other first caps once the bench was emptied, though out-half Stapleton is remaining focused on processes rather than points.

She explained: “The scoreboard looked good, the girls got their first caps and you will always be tempted to look at the positives in any performance, but we would be looking at things like making sure the first phase is better this week than last. We stood off a bit in the last 10 minutes as well and let them in for a try. With France we know what to expect. They are a big team with only one or two changes from last season. We will have to tackle low and get them to ground early.”