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Ireland Women Target France Upset After Italy Rout

BBC Sport •
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Ireland's women's rugby team is eyeing a historic victory over France in the Six Nations after a dominant 57-20 win against Italy in Galway. Aoife Wafer scored one of nine tries as Scott Bemand's side rebounded from their opening loss to England with an emphatic performance at Dexcom Stadium.

Ireland have never won in France during the Women's Six Nations, but Wafer believes the current squad can create history. The 23-year-old flanker emphasized the importance of maintaining physicality for the full 80 minutes, citing their improved second-half performance against England as evidence of their capability. Forward dominance, particularly in maul situations, will be crucial against France's powerful pack.

The team draws motivation from their painful 18-13 World Cup quarter-final defeat to France last year, when they led 13-0 before succumbing to a late comeback. Wafer, who experienced France's physical approach firsthand during that match, stressed the importance of silencing the home crowd at Stade Marcel-Michelin, where brass bands typically create a raucous atmosphere.