As the Women's Six Nations reaches its thrilling conclusion, all eyes turn to Dublin's Aviva Stadium this Sunday for a clash that promises fireworks. Ireland captain Erin King has issued a stirring warning to her teammates: Scotland can "really turn it on when it matters," and they should not be underestimated.
Scott Bemand's Irish squad has been in fine form, notching two wins from four matches against Italy and Wales. Now, they're eyeing a third home victory to cap off an impressive campaign. But standing in their way is a Scottish side that, despite only one win so far, carries a dangerous edge—especially after their 26-19 triumph over Ireland in last year's tournament.
"You only have to look at the Six Nations last year to see they really turn it on when it matters," King told BBC Sport NI. "They beat us last year, and we don't want that to happen again. It's going to be a great challenge—they have some great backs and physical forwards. The way they play is great, so I think it will be another physical battle that we're looking forward to."
King, who has started all four of Ireland's games, is determined to flip the script. "We want to go into that game all guns blazing. We've tried to get those three home wins, so we'd be really happy for that to happen."
This Sunday marks a historic moment for women's rugby: the first stand-alone Women's Six Nations fixture at the iconic Aviva Stadium. With over 28,000 tickets already sold, the atmosphere is set to be electric. For King, the occasion is deeply meaningful.
"We knew the Aviva game was at the end of the Six Nations, now it's the one on the weekend we're all ecstatic. To hear the amount of tickets being sold and the buzz around it, it's really exciting," she said. "The history this stadium holds and the history we're going to make on Sunday has really made us think of the women who have come before us and paved the way. We're the lucky ones who get to wear the jersey, but it doesn't go unnoticed the work that's gone on before us."
As Ireland prepares to don their green jerseys one last time this tournament, King's words echo the spirit of a team ready to write their own chapter. With history on the line and a wounded Scotland ready to pounce, Sunday's showdown is not to be missed.
