The Women’s Six Nations returned with a bang this weekend after a hiatus of nearly eight months, with thrills and spills aplenty throughout two mouth-watering fixtures.
Ireland and Italy kicked off the action at Donnybrook, with scores from Lindsay Peat, Claire Molloy and a late penalty try earning Ireland a 21-7 victory, after Melissa Bettoni’s try had put the Azzurre in front.
On Sunday, Scotland completed a dramatic comeback to seal a 13-13 draw with France at Scotstoun, after Safi N’Diaye and Agathe Sochat scores had looked to succumb Bryan Easson’s side to a third successive defeat.
Helen Nelson’s boot and a late try from debutant Rachel Shankland earned the hosts a share of the spoils, putting an end to any French hopes of a second Championship title in three years, and subsequently handing the trophy to England.
As the dust settles on a breath-taking start to the resumption, we’ve taken a look at some of the players’ reactions and have identified the best of social media:
The showdown in Dublin showcased a back-row battle between two of the best in the business, and the respect is clearly mutual between Italy’s Giada Franco and Ireland’s Claire Molloy.
Franco was one of the biggest thorns in the Irish defence throughout the 80 minutes, and while on the losing side the former Harlequins star was pleased to finally be back out on the pitch.
Exciting Ireland winger Beibhinn Parsons couldn’t match her try-scoring exploits from earlier on in the 2020 Women’s Six Nations, but the 18-year-old was similarly thrilled to back in match action.
Victory for Ireland marked their third out of three at home in this year’s Championship, and Lauren Delany expressed her delight at helping her team get over the line.
And Katie O’Dwyer took a moment to reflect on her rugby journey, after she came off the replacements bench to get her first senior cap for the Emerald Isle.
In the aftermath of Scotland’s stunning fightback in Glasgow, the team’s resilience, grit and determination caught the eye of men’s international George Horne.
Lock Emma Wassell was understandably proud of her team’s performance.
Former England international Danielle Waterman picked out Sarah Bonar’s display, and the 26-year-old second-row duly thanked her for her kind words.
And having got the all-important score, Shankland was recognised on Instagram by teammate Megan Gaffney.
For France, scrum-half Pauline Bourdon insisted her side will come back stronger in their clash against Ireland next week.
And Gaelle Hermet was in a similarly reflective mood, looking to take the positives out of a match in which they had appeared favourites to win.
