Tom Tierney: We learned from Six Nations heartbreak

Tom Tierney says Ireland’s women’s team will take priceless lessons into next month’s World Cup from their Six Nations defeat to England last March.

The home side were within 10 points of the full-time English outfit at the hour mark, but by the time the final whistle went at Donnybrook, the visitors were 34-7 ahead and took the spoils in what was a Grand Slam decider.

Tournament favourites England have been kept apart from Ireland for the Pool stages at least, but Tierney insists that game could have a serious impact on how the hosts perform.