Head coach Adam Griggs expressed his relief after Ireland got their Women’s Six Nations campaign off to a winning start with an “ugly” 18-14 victory over Scotland.
Ireland came flying out of the traps at Energia Park as Cliodhna Moloney and Sene Naoupu crossed in the opening 15 minutes to lead 13-0.
But they were then made to work hard by Scotland who closed the gap to 13-7 courtesy of Lisa Thomson’s converted try and threatened to add another.
Ireland were under pressure in the second half but scored the decisive try on 66 minutes when Beibhinn Parsons intercepted Sarah Law’s pass before running almost the length of the field to score.
Scotland bounced back again as Emma Wassell touched down, but it was only enough to seal a losing bonus point.
“If anyone was going to get that intercept and go the length of the field, it was Beibhinn,” said Griggs.
“I was probably breathing heavier than she was after running the field.
“There’s some smiles (in the dressing room). I’d say it’s probably more relief at the moment.
“We needed the win, we said we’d take it even if it was ugly.
“It was definitely ugly at times, but we’ll take the result and hopefully we can move forward.”
England came out on top against France, winning 19-13 at the Stade du Hameau and try-scorer Emily Scarratt declared that their defence of the Gland Slam was now “back on”.
The Red Roses raced into a 12-0 lead thanks to tries from Abby Dow and Vicky Fleetwood before France fought back.
A Laure Sansus try and the boot of Jessy Trémoulière cut the deficit before Scarratt burst through for the decisive score.
“It was an amazing ball from Amber Reed for my try,” Scarratt said.
“I needed to put my head down and make sure I finished.
“The defence of the Grand Slam is back on. It’s a tough way to do it this year with three away games. It’s definitely the start we wanted.”
Head coach Simon Middleton added: “France are an exceptional side and you’re never going to dominate them for a full game.
“As soon as they got a foothold it became a real fight.
“We showed some great character defensively in that second half in particular.”
There was also an opening-weekend victory for Italy as they defeated Wales 19-15 with Melissa Bettoni, Maria Magatti and Sofia Stefan crossing at Cardiff Arms Park.
Jasmine Joyce struck twice for Wales, but Italy weathered Chris Horsman’s side’s late fightback.
“There are aspects of the performance we’re really pleased about,” Horsman said.
“Our backs were against the wall.
“I thought there was an outstanding defensive effort from the group.
“There are some things in that game we’ll get a learning from. We did look good in attack but ultimately we didn’t manage conditions.
“Fair play to Italy.”
