Ciara Griffin: Talk sounds good but actions speak louder for Bemand and Ireland

Head Coach Scott Bemand speaks to the team huddle. Pic Credit: Ben Brady, Inpho.

‘We’re here to fire some shots’ has been head coach Scott Bemand’s mantra for this Guinness Women’s Six Nations.

It sounds good but, actions speak louder than words. Unfortunately, we have not seen these shots thus far but Cork on Saturday, in front of a large Virgin Media Park crowd, provides a prime opportunity to let actions do the talking.

Ireland host Wales (4.45pm), the visitors also in search of their first win of the campaign and will be hurting from the losses to Scotland and England.

A Welsh team travelling with a point to prove can be extremely difficult to control.

Anyone who is watching Chasing the Sun 2, which documents South Africa’s 2023 World Cup journey to glory, sees the importance of using data to create a winning game plan.

Felix Jones gives a master class on strategy and on how the smallest details lead to the biggest results.

As you may be aware by now, the breakdown is my favourite area of the game and its value in dictating a game is often overlooked.

The breakdown is ultimately where games are won and lost. Behind every ruck won is a much bigger picture with many moving parts.

To win your own ruck you must first win the gain line carry, get dominance on the defender and win inches.

Then you must snap back with quick ball presented cleanly for your nine. For this to happen the first two arrivers at the breakdown must clear out any opposition threat with a third colleague sealing and securing the ball while withstanding counter ruck pressure.

When done efficiently and effectively, the breakdown is like poetry in motion.

Wales won 95% of their own rucks against England and stole six balls at the English break down. What impressed me most was that 67% of their own ruck ball was three seconds or less, a serious stat that highlights the Welsh desire to play quick ball and move teams around the park.

So, what do Ireland need to do to slow the Welsh ruck speed? The most effective approach is tackler plus one, where one player tackles and the second player has free licence to slow the ball and force Welsh numbers into the breakdown.

It's an approach that works well when everyone is on the same page, but it requires a quick fold defence to fill the hole left by the nominated plus one. 

Another option, which requires playing in the grey area for a while, is once you tackle, fall on the player and the ball.

Obviously, you need to role away but you can buy your team two to three seconds to fold around even before the plus one disrupts, which would force slow six second rucks.

While Ireland will want to slow the Welsh ball they will need to drastically speed up their own ruck speed if they want front foot attack.

Only 38% of the Irish attacking rucks were three seconds or less with 46% of Irish rucks being between four and six seconds. Slow ruck ball limits attacking options and often allows defensive teams get set and get the upper hand.

The Irish attack faltered in the second round with many attacking options wasted due to unforced errors and turnovers.

Conceding 17 turnovers and committing 28 handling errors in a game on the international stage can be costly and Ireland will want to show a marked improvement. 

The Wales game marks the return of co-captain Edel McMahon at open side flanker. Her leadership will hopefully encourage Ireland to adopt a ruthless approach to decision-making while mastering the art of winning.

The biggest talking point has been the return of Cliodhna Moloney who has been excluded from squad selection since November 2021. Moloney's return brings invaluable experience, skill, and leadership.

As a seasoned player with international acclaim, her presence enhances team cohesion and performance.

Moloney's proficiency as a hooker bolsters the team's forward pack, crucial for set-piece dominance and efficient ball retention. She will be an invaluable asset from the bench. 

Additionally, her strategic understanding of the game will help elevate tactical awareness on the field, benefiting both offensive and defensive strategies.

Beyond her on-field contributions, Moloney serves as a role model for aspiring athletes, inspiring dedication, resilience, and commitment to the green jersey.

The earlier clash between Scotland and England at a sold out Hive Stadium promises to be a fiercely contested encounter with a long-standing rivalry between the two nations.

England, reigning champions and perennial contenders, bring a wealth of experience and skill to the table. The Red Roses combine power and precision to dominate both set-piece and open play. 

However, Scotland, under the guidance of captain Rachel Malcolm, are eager to make their mark and upset the odds.

With a blend of youth and experience, the Scottish team aims to showcase their resilience and fighting spirit on the field. Anticipate a physical battle as Scotland looks to disrupt England's game plan and capitalise on home advantage.

Sunday sees Italy, buoyed by a historic away win against Ireland, travel to Stade Jean Bouin to target a misfiring French team who have not found their traditional flair of old.

With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, the Italian squad possesses the resilience and determination to challenge the best teams in the tournament.

Expect an engaging battle in the forwards as Italy seeks to disrupt France's rhythm and capitalise on any scoring opportunities.

Italian veteran Melissa Bettoni believes French uncertainty can work their advantage. The Azzurri ambition is brilliant to see but I would not look past the Les Bleus just yet.