Ireland’s women completed their first Six Nations Grand Slam by edging out Italy 6-3 in a tense final match in Milan on Sunday.
Ireland ended four points clear of runners-up France in the table, having already secured the championship after winning their first four matches in the championship.
The pitch in Parabiago grew steadily muddier throughout, preventing the visitors from showing the attacking flair which had marked their earlier victories in the series. Briggs went closest to scoring Ireland’s only try after 20 minutes but she knocked the ball over the try-line. The Irish defence remained resolute throughout, while repeated ruck infringements led to Italy prop Lucia Gai earning a yellow card.
The Irish trailed to a Veronica Schiavon penalty after three minutes but full-back Niamh Briggs levelled with a penalty 10 minutes later. Another Briggs penalty in the 51st minute saw Ireland secure victory in very difficult conditions.
England meanwhile finished in third place after a thrilling match against Wales that ended in a 20-16 scoreline. After leading for most of the match England paid the price for a sluggish second half when replacement prop Megan York barged over the try line on 69 minutes leaving England 16-15 adrift.
England, however, responded by giving everything they had in the dying minutes and in the end some good ball by the forwards from a line-out got the ball out-wide and through the backs to Tuson on the wing.
England Head Coach Gary Street said:
“We are never happy about not winning the Six Nations but at the same time our plan this season was always to prioritise the Sevens squad as they build towards the Rugby World Cup in June. The important thing today was to win this match.
Sportsister, The Women’s Sports Magazine
