Getting a lineout right takes teamwork and good timing, and when it fails, the hooker often gets the blame. That’s why Ireland’s hookers, Neve Jones and Cliodhna Moloney, must have felt great about their performance in the Women’s Six Nations opener against France. Irish Lineout on the Rise.
They achieved a solid lineout success rate of 95%, nailing 18 out of 19 attempts. This is a big jump from last year when Ireland had lineout success rates of 69% and 61%. Their progress shows not just their hard work but also the influence of forwards coach Alex Codling, who has turned the lineout into a real strength. Irish Lineout on the Rise.
Codling’s Impact on Ireland’s Setpiece
Since Alex Codling joined as forwards coach last summer, he’s helped sharpen Ireland’s lineout strategy. His guidance has changed the lineout from something inconsistent to a more reliable part of their game. The team is looking to carry this momentum into their next match against Italy in Parma.
The lineout was a huge success, and I think Codders has done a fantastic job, Jones said about Codling’s influence. Everyone is on board with it. We trust the system and push each other in practice.
Codling has been focused on boosting the players’ confidence rather than making big technical shifts. He’s made a few tweaks but hasn’t changed our whole technique. Every hooker has their own style, and he wants us to believe in ourselves, Jones explained. Irish Lineout on the Rise.
Precision Under Pressure
Throwing a lineout requires real precision, especially in a fast-paced game. Ireland men’s hooker Rónan Kelleher once compared it to stepping out of a boxing ring and hitting a golf shot. Jones agrees and credits Codling for polishing her throwing skills and making sure she can handle pressure.
Codders has done wonders with me and the other hookers. He’s built our confidence and connected us with club specialists to boost our strength, she said.
Defensive Strength and a Try-Scoring Performance
Jones didn’t just shine in the lineout against France; she also made her mark elsewhere. She racked up 15 tackles and carries in her 55 minutes on the field and scored Ireland’s second try from a maul.
Her defensive skills have always stood out in her international career. At just 5ft 2in, she’s among the smallest on the pitch but often ranks as a top tackler.
A Love for Tackling Rooted in Childhood
Jones credits her love for tackling to her upbringing in a rugby family. I worked a lot with my Dad growing up. I started mini rugby at six or seven, and being the smallest, my Dad made sure I focused on tackling, she said.
Her father, Dave, who played both rugby and rugby league, laid the groundwork for her love of the game. We were tackling each other in the living room since I was two or three, she laughed.
Even now, Dave is her biggest fan and gives her feedback after every match. He always sends me a little analysis—what went well and what I can improve. I’m really grateful for everything he’s done.
With Ireland’s lineout getting better and players like Jones stepping up, the team looks ready to keep improving during the tournament.
