Claffey wary of Ulster challenge
Women’s Interprovincials
Daire Walsh
They may be overwhelming favourites to progress to the Women’s Interprovincial Championship decider, but Michelle Claffey insists Leinster will need to be wary of Ulster tomorrow afternoon.
Following the earlier semi-final between Munster and Connacht at Templeville Road, defending champions Leinster take on their northern counterparts in the same venue (kick-off 3.45pm).
The Blues beat Ulster 24-5 in their group-stage clash at City of Armagh RFC, but the Offaly native feels the score wasn’t a true reflection of the game.
“It was a very physical game. It was a very up-front battle. They’re very good at the breakdown. They will turn us over if we’re complacent around that,” said Claffey.
“We need to get our set-piece right. I think that’s one area we’ll need to work on for this coming weekend. I think it’s a very different pack versus our Leinster pack. It’s just the physicality. Technically, we need to be better. We also need to be smarter around the pitch too.
“They [Ulster] only lost their last game by one point against Connacht. It wasn’t a whitewash or anything like that.”
While are a number of familiar names remain, Leinster head coach Ben Armstrong added several uncapped players to his squad in advance of this year’s competition.
Included amongst the new crop are past international stars Elaine Anthony and Larissa Muldoon, who previously featured at this grade with Munster and Ulster respectively.
“We’ve got a load of new girls this year. I think the transition from last year’s squad to this year’s squad, it’s probably about 50-50. The girls that have come in, they’ve played AIL. They’ve played international rugby. Either Sevens and 15s, in some cases,” Claffey explained.
“That’s what we need. Different ideas, different thoughts. We’ve got young players coming through as well, which is nice.”
Meanwhile, it was confirmed yesterday that Claffey and her Ireland team-mates will begin the 2020 Women’s Six Nations at home against Scotland on Sunday, February 2.
They also welcome Wales and Italy to Donnybrook in rounds two and four respectively, with tough away assignments to England and France also awaiting Adam Griggs’ charges in the new year.