Ireland women's rugby head coach Scott Bemand has expressed strong confidence in back-row star Aoife Wafer ahead of Saturday's Six Nations clash with Italy, despite her quiet performance in last week's defeat to England.
Wafer, who has emerged as one of Ireland's key players, was substituted after 61 minutes during Ireland's 33-12 loss to England, struggling to make her usual impact in a match where England dominated possession.
"Maybe she's human. She's a great player, so driven," Bemand said of the 23-year-old. "She did have a quiet game. It was a tougher game to get her into. When you don't get through enough phases or sets, you miss opportunities to get your best players on the ball."
The coach revealed that Wafer has responded impressively in training this week, with the coaching staff working on strategies to involve her more effectively.
"She's had a look, we've had a look at how we can get her on the ball in better spaces," Bemand explained. "I'm excited for you guys to see what she can do when she hits the ground this weekend."
Wafer's recent journey has been challenging, with an injury-hit 2025 affecting her World Cup participation and delaying her debut for new club Harlequins after moving from Leinster.
Ireland will be looking to replicate last year's comprehensive 54-12 victory over Italy when they host the Azzurre in Galway. However, Bemand warned that Italy have shown significant improvement since that defeat.
"I think the Italians are better than they were. They're a well-coached group," he noted. "You can see they have a plan. It wasn't that long ago when the Italians maybe played in a slightly more chaotic way, but rugby over there is improving across the board."
Bemand pointed to the broader development of Italian rugby, suggesting that the women's team is benefiting from the same structural improvements that have boosted the men's side in recent years.
With Wafer determined to rediscover her best form and Italy presenting a sterner test than last season, Saturday's match promises to be a crucial encounter for Ireland's Six Nations campaign.