Despite being favorites against Wales in Belfast after outscoring them by 57 points in their last two meetings, Ireland's Aoife Dalton insists no complacency will creep in. The 23-year-old first-choice outside center carries personal experience of Six Nations heartbreak, having made her international debut in 2022 before enduring a tournament where Ireland lost all five games in 2023.

Dalton revealed genuine fears about her international career during that difficult period. "I didn't think I'd play for Ireland again after that," she admitted. Yet her perseverance paid off, with Dalton earning peer recognition as player of the year at the Rugby Players Ireland Awards and becoming a key figure in Ireland's improved showing this year following defeats by England and France.

Ireland aims to close out their campaign with home victories over Wales and Scotland, though Dalton respects the Welsh threat after they scored four tries against world champions England. "I'm sure that gave them a huge lift," she noted. "Once they get their rolling maul going, they're hard to stop." Ireland must maintain focus to secure another Six Nations victory.