Wafer shines as Ireland enjoy home win over Wales

Breaking news from the world of sport: Wafer shines as Ireland enjoy home win over WalesImage source, InphoImage caption, Ireland beat winless Wales to pick up their second home success of the campaignByJana McCabeBBC Sport NI journalist, AtAffidea StadiumPublished13 minutes agoIreland (19) 33Tries: Wafer (2), Parsons, Hogan (2) Cons: O'Brien (4)Wales (7) 12Tries: Evans, Joyce Cons: Bevan Ireland registered their second win in the Women's Six Nations with a hard-fought bonus-point victory over Wales at Affidea Stadium. Coach Scott Bemand spoke of the importance of bouncing back from their defeat by France in Clermont two weeks ago and targeted two wins from their last two matches of the tournament on home turf. Aoife Wafer, Beibhinn Parsons and Brittany Hogan crossed to give the home side a 19-7 lead after a frantic first half.

Wafer continued to impress in the second half and secured the bonus point during a stop-start second period which included a yellow card apiece for both sides, and Neve Jones having a try disallowed. Hogan added her second try in the closing seconds to seal a much-needed Ireland success. It was their third in four games in Belfast and sets them up well for their final game against Scotland in front of what is set to be a record crowd at the Aviva Stadium.

Match Details

Ireland grow into game and finish strongImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Wafer scored two tries and was a standout performer for IrelandDespite losing their previous eight Six Nations matches, Wales came into the game with confidence after they registered a record four tries against world champions England in their last outing. They started stronger in Belfast, but Wafer gave Ireland the lead against the run of play when the back row's persistence paid off and she forced her way over the line before Dannah O'Brien added a challenging extra two. Wales looked to respond quickly with a huge tackle from Parsons denying Hannah Dallavalle after Carys Cox had taken advantage of a mix-up and fed the ball through.

The visitors kept pushing and registered their first try when Georgia Evans dived over from close range and Keira Bevan was able to convert to level the match. A double movement denied Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald after she had powered her way over as the home side, buoyed by a vocal crowd, began to settle. Wafer then turned provider, shrugging off multiple white shirts before a superb offload to Parsons, who raced down the right wing to restore Ireland's lead.

They then struck a hammer blow just before the break as, opting to play on with clock in the red, Ireland were rewarded for their persistence as they added their third try when Hogan crossed after sustained pressure from a ruck. After the restart, a television match official check confirmed Moloney-MacDonald's kick out at Evans warranted a yellow card.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.