After a two‑week pause, the Women’s Six Nations resumes at Belfast’s Affidea Stadium, where Ireland host Wales on Saturday 18:30 BST. Both sides arrived bruised after heavy defeats to England and France, but Wales left England with a rare bonus point, while Ireland failed to capitalise on chances against the French. Coaches stress that redemption hinges on defense and execution.

Ireland tweak one position, bringing centre Eve Higgins back for Nancy McGillivray and naming uncapped Niamh Gallagher among the substitutes. Wales alter three starters: Carys Cox returns to midfield, Hannah Dallavalle moves to wing and Georgia Evans takes the second‑row spot after Gwen Crabb’s rest. Ireland lead the head‑to‑head 13‑11, while Wales top the table for tackles and kicks.

In a clash where physicality meets set‑piece savvy, Ireland will rely on Aoife Wafer’s play‑making and captain Erin King’s ruck dominance, while Wales aim to replicate the breakdown pressure that earned them twelve turnovers this round. A win would spare the Welsh side their third consecutive Wooden Spoon, whereas a victory for the Irish would cement their claim as the tournament’s ‘best of the rest’.