Belief replaces doubt as Bemand and Ireland bid to prove growth against Italians 

The coach insists last Saturday’s opening-round loss to France in Belfast was a significant step in Ireland’s journey when compared to the 27-21 reverse to the Italians in Dublin 12 months ago.

HAPPY 21st: Dannah O’Brien has been rewarded with cap 21 at number 10 for the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi clash. Pic: INPHO/Tom Maher

Through Scott Bemand’s lens, his Ireland squad set to face Italy in Parma on Sunday have come on leaps and bounds since their home defeat in last year’s Guinness Women’s Six Nations.

That may seem obvious given the results the Irish women have recorded over the last 12 months, not least the victories which followed in that 2024 campaign over Wales and Scotland, wins which secured qualification to this year’s World Cup. Subsequent victories over Australia, and at last October’s WXV1 over world champions New Zealand and the higher-ranked USA have enhanced reputations and, more importantly for the head coach, bolstered confidence and belief.