Ireland Women's Six Nations assistant coach Alan O'Connor acknowledged the squad must be more clinical to salvage their tournament standing after a 26-7 loss to France at Clermont. Despite a dominant first half, the Irish failed to capitalize on 12 lineout opportunities, allowing France to extend their lead in the second half. The team, having lost two of their first three games this year (33-12 to England, 57-20 to Italy), aims to avoid a home record meltdown as they prepare for an away game against England or France, now impossible to win. Their next fixture against Wales at Affidea Stadium will be crucial for maintaining a perfect home record if Scotland visit Dublin later.

O'Connor, who joined Scott Bemand's backroom team in January after 13 years at Ulster, highlighted forward pack improvements and set-piece dominance as areas needing refinement against Wales. He emphasized the importance of short passes and maintaining control at the breakdown, given Wales' strengths in these areas. The coach reflected on his transition from a playing career without Test caps to now coaching the national side, calling the experience with the squad "great" and stating the team's passion for their badge and country is evident.

The squad's recent losses have sparked pressure to turn the page on their tournament woes, with O'Connor stressing the need to build on lessons learned from the France game. With two away fixtures remaining, Ireland must address their finishing issues to secure a respectable finish in the Six Nations, avoiding the early exit that might result from continued struggles in the final two games.