Ireland's Women's Six Nations campaign is at a critical turning point, and assistant coach Alan O'Connor knows exactly what needs to change. After a frustrating loss to France last month, the message is clear: it's time to get clinical.

The Irish squad had a golden opportunity in Clermont, dominating the first half and entering the break locked at 7-7 with the formidable French side. But opportunities don't win matches—execution does. France pulled away in the second half to claim a 26-7 victory, leaving Ireland to wonder what might have been.

"We had a good week last week, we trained twice. There was a lot of good from that French game," O'Connor explained. "The first half was really good. I think we got close to the line around 12 times, but we just weren't clinical enough. Building on that, we just need to be more clinical."

The numbers tell the story of a team that's been close but not quite there. With two losses in their first three matches—a 33-12 defeat to England followed by a promising 57-20 win over Italy—Ireland now faces a must-win scenario. Though they can no longer claim a road victory over either England or France, a perfect home record is still within reach.

That quest begins Saturday when Wales visits Affidea Stadium (18:30 BST, live on BBC One Wales, BBC Two NI & BBC iPlayer). Then comes a trip to Dublin's Aviva Stadium to face Scotland. Two games, two chances to finish strong.

O'Connor, who joined Scott Bemand's coaching staff in January after 13 years with Ulster, knows exactly where improvements are needed. "I think we can move the ball maybe a bit more as a forward pack and get more short passes in our game," he said. "Wales' strength would probably be the set-piece. They're good at the breakdown so we need to make sure we're on the money there."

For the 33-year-old coach, this role represents a dream realized. After a playing career that never yielded a Test cap for the men's team, he's found a new purpose on the sidelines. "The girls are great. There's a lot of passion for the badge and the country," O'Connor said. "Me being involved with Ireland, it's always been a dream of mine."

Now, it's about turning that passion into points—and finishing the tournament the way they started it: in control, but this time with the scoreboard to match.