Anna Caplice scored a try and produced a brilliant all-round display as Ireland Women bounced back from an opening day Women’s Six Nations defeat in style at Scotstoun.
Following last week’s defeat at home to England, the Irish overcame difficult conditions to run out 22-5 victors against Scotland, claiming a bonus point in the process.
And while the final scoreline was relatively comfortable, the blindside flanker made it clear just how big an effort it had been to see off the Scots.
She said: “The conditions were tough but we knew they were going to be. It’s a gorgeous pitch and we knew we had to keep (play) tight in places.
“Scotland defended us so well, and they made us work so hard. It was enjoyable.
“We were hurting from last week, we were disappointed with our second half when we came out of the blocks and England scored against us straightaway. So we knew in our heads that when we came out it’s ‘switch-on’ time.
“We couldn’t take a breath for one second because we know how ruthless Scotland can be. We were really happy with the second half, the way we were able to up it.
“We got the try before half-time and it could have happened that we would take a breath and ease off a little. But we didn’t and we’re really happy to bounce back with a bonus-point win.”
Aoife McDermott crossed early for the Scots, with Leah Lyons going over on the stroke of half-time after Hannah Smith had levelled matters.
Alison Miller’s try early in the second half effectively made the game safe, before Caplice rounded out the scoring on the hour.
It was not just her try though that saw Caplice stand out. The flanker also chipped in with 20 tackles, from 20 attempted, while racking up 106 metres with ball in hand.
The Irish will look to make it two wins in a row in the Women’s Six Nations in round three when they travel to Parma to take on Italy.
