Ireland forwards coach Steve McGinnis was delighted after his side secured an 18-14 win over Scotland in the first round of the Six Nations.
The Girls in Green raced out to a 13-0 lead early on but the Scots clawed their way back with a late try bringing the match to a one-score game.
The home side were able to hang on however and speaking to Off The Ball, McGinnis was relieved to get the win after four losses in a row.
“Let’s cut to the chase, we’re really happy to get the win. Look, it wasn’t perfect but it’s a win. For this group, I think probably mentally more than anything it’s probably more important. We’ve gone forward with that. Lot’s to work on though for us.
“We talked about being efficient and getting our processes right and being patient. We’re in a pressure pot environment in the Six Nations but again, it’s about being patient and making sure we can control our emotions and control the ball at times.
All over in Energia Park and Ireland hold on for a win.
Ireland 18 Scotland 14 pic.twitter.com/87ym2MFNpI
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 2, 2020
“Look, we get it, it’s exciting and the crowd gets behind us at times and that’s the challenge. But we came through it at the end of the day and that’s what we’re really pleased about,” McGinnis said.
18-year-old Beibheann Parsons played a crucial role in Ireland’s win, scoring a try off the back of an intercept after 66 minutes.
Parsons has amassed 5 caps already despite her young age and McGinnis was delighted to see the youngster play so well.
"You talk about confidence for a very young girl. We explain to all these girls coming through that they’re not young girls anymore, they’re senior internationals.
“That’s their mentality and they have to strive for that mentality. They’re not making up numbers, they’re competing and challenging for places.
“Dorothy Wall came off the bench for captain Ciara Griffin and did a stalwart job. She was fantastic and actually added a good bit of impact to what we were looking for,” McGinnis said.
Ireland take on Wales next Sunday, again at Energia Park, where they will hope to make it two wins from two in the 2020 Six Nations.
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