Scotland did not get their Women’s Six Nations campaign off the start they wanted, but they must regroup and focus quickly on the next challenge which is Ireland at home this Friday (7.35pm, live on BBC ALBA).
The Scots went down to Italy 28-7 at home last Friday and while frustrated to not take advantage when playing against 13 players just after half-time, there were plenty of positives.
And rather than focusing on the things that went wrong they must really get their heads into the right place quickly as a group because this upcoming Irish match at Scotstoun is huge.
Five talking points post-Italy and pre-Ireland
The scrum is improving
The pack took a bit of a roasting against Italy back in November, but since then they have been steadily improving through the Canada, Spain and the most recent Italy game. Al Dickinson’s experience is no doubt helping the front-row and they are now taking it to the opposition more.
Experience is a boost
There is no doubt that having the likes of Sarah Bonar and Rachel Malcolm back in the starting XV had a big impact against Italy while having Sarah Law and Rhona Lloyd involved off the bench was handy. They have trod this tournament path before and know what to expect.
The team still needs more belief
When they went to 7-7 just before the interval and two Italy players were in the sin bin the Scots and to try and take the game by the scruff of the neck straight after half-time. Credit to Italy for not allowing them too, but as a collective perhaps Scotland need more belief in their accuracy to get more points on the board.
Slow starts need to stop
Ireland will arrive in Glasgow with their tails between their legs after a 51-3 defeat by England at the weekend. In recent games Scotland have started slowly and grown into things, this week as the home team they have to be more confident from the kick-off and take the game to th visitors.
They know they can beat Ireland
Two years ago the team could, and perhaps should, have drawn or beaten Ireland as their upward curve in terms pf performances began. Last year they won in Dublin and with this match being 11th in the world against 10th in the rankings it is shaping up to be a cracker – and one Scotland can win.
Thanks to Mark Brown/Rugby People for the images from the Italy match
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