Scotland's Helen Nelson set for emotional Women's Six Nations clash against Ireland as Thistles eyes fourth place
BySportsbeat
Updated 27/04/2023 at 11:46 GMT
Fly-half Helen Nelson is looking ahead to Scotland's final 2023 Women's Six Nations game as they look to secure back-to-back wins. Scotland beat Italy in Round 4 in Edinburgh to end a 13-match losing streak in the competition. "You can see that we are improving, we are on a journey as a team, and we are going in the right direction," Nelson said on the eve of the clash.
Helen Nelson of Scotland is seen at full time during the TikTok Women's Six Nations match between Scotland and Italy at DAM Health Stadium on April 22, 2023 in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Image credit: Getty Images
Helen Nelson is set for an emotional 2023 TikTok Women's Six Nations clash against Ireland this weekend.
The fly-half's aunt, Clare Hoppe, was part of Ireland's first-ever international clash back in 1993, coincidentally against Scotland.
Hoppe sadly passed away from cancer last year but was in the hearts and minds of a roaring Scottish crowd last weekend as Nelson ran out to receive her 50th cap for her country.
The Thistles will now close their 2023 campaign against Hoppe's former team Ireland, a match that is sure to be emotional for Nelson as it also marks one year since her aunt's passing.
"I hadn't really allowed myself to think about it too much the achievement of getting to 50 caps until the last couple of days, but the girls have made it really special," she said.
"We had a meeting and a presentation last night and then today at jersey presentation Rhona came in presented the jersey and we had Donna [Kennedy] in as well and I can't thank them enough for making me feel special, it's been incredible.
"For me personally, it was also a very special day for another reason.
"Someone said there were over 100 ex-Scotland players in the stands today remembering that first game against Ireland back in 93 which Clare played in, it was her first cap and it all came into line today, it was really, really special.
"I tried not to think about it too much before the game because I didn't want emotions to take over, but now I can look at it and hope that I did her proud.
"It was this time last year that she passed, and it'll actually be her anniversary next week when we play Ireland so I will have that in the back of my head.
"It is just going to spur me on to play well and go out and do her proud."
Scotland's 29-21 victory over Italy in Round 4 left Edinburgh full of joy as Bryan Easson's side ended their Championship losing streak at the 13th attempt.
The victory saw Scotland sneak back into 10th place in the Rugby World Rankings and puts them within reach of a fourth-place finish in this year's TikTok Women's Six Nations - a feat that Nelson puts down to the constant hard-work they've put in since a slightly disappointing World Cup performance.
"We got to our first World Cup but the performances there were perhaps not exactly as we wanted, for me individually and as a team, but we stuck at it," she said.
"We are putting in so much hard work and days like our win over Italy, we really need to enjoy, and it gives us belief and shows us that our hard work is paying off.
"You can see that we are improving, we are on a journey as a team, and we are going in the right direction.
"We still have a chance to finish fourth in the tournament, so if we can back up the win against Ireland then we will be in a really good place.
"I don't think we'll struggle to get up for it."
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement