Two years can change everything in sports—just ask Scott Bemand and his rapidly rising Ireland squad. When Ireland last hosted Wales, Bemand was still searching for his first win as head coach, taking over a team that had just finished dead last in the Six Nations table. Fast forward to today, and the story couldn't be more different. Ireland cruised to a comfortable victory over Wales, now sitting pretty in third place with room to breathe.

"It all started with belief," Bemand reflects. "When I first came in, that first season was about getting the girls to believe they could actually be quite good—giving themselves permission to be brave and perform under pressure."

That mission has evolved. Now, instead of wondering if they can compete, this youthful Irish squad knows they belong. The challenge has shifted to execution when the pressure dials up—or down. And they're proving it on the pitch.

While France and England prepare to battle for the Six Nations title in next weekend's finale, Ireland has quietly established itself as a rising force. Their win over Wales marks their second victory of the campaign, following an impressive 57-20 demolition of Italy, who currently hold fourth place.

"We're starting to handle bigger occasions and bigger pressure," Bemand says with evident pride. "With that comes more expectation—but that's the cool thing. That's exactly where we want to be."

The trajectory is clear: belief is now becoming results. "Our next step is converting that confidence and understanding into consistent wins. We'll get there—the trajectory is still up, and we're still hungry to get better."

But Bemand isn't resting on progress. He knows the ultimate test lies ahead. Ireland has never beaten France or England, and that's the next mountain to climb. "We want to be in games where we're in a position to beat an England or a France. Are we getting there? With this competition, we're getting closer."

For a squad this young and hungry, the best is yet to come—and they're not afraid to chase it.