Ciara Griffin: Ireland back to the scene of our worst nightmare

Ireland live with and are haunted by the ghosts of Parma and our failed World Cup qualification in 2021. Just hearing Stadio Sergio La Franchi makes all the emotions and heartbreak flood back.

LEADING FROM THE FRONT: Nichola Fryday. Picture: INPHO/Luca Sighinolfi

A rest week after a bruising and physical start to the Championship was welcomed by all teams last week in the Women's Six Nations. 

These breaks give an opportunity for players to recover, rehab any injuries and presents an opportunity to reflect on where teams find themselves. England, Wales, and France will have gone into the break content with their performances but also hungry to make sure they keep on an upward trajectory. Ireland, Italy, and Scotland will have used the break as an opportunity to reset, refocus and be prepared to fight for ‘best of the rest’.