Female Six Nations: Otto victories on Italy gives “Redemption”, says Lindsay Peat

With Aoibheann Reilly, 24 years old, who connects well with the couple of O’Brien and Dalton, in Ireland of 21 years, has a young axis of nine-10-12.

“They are inexperienced but there is skills and talent,” added Downey.

“They are malleable and can be trained.

“There is a leadership and there is a great depth from those young players.”

Ireland is the next in action against England in Cork on April 12 before ending their campaign with travel to Wales and Scotland.

Sitting third in the standings after the great victory in Parma, Ireland hopes to end up strongly before turning their attention to the World Cup that starts in August.

Ireland, which has failed to qualify for the last world cup, will be in a swimming pool with Spain, Japan and New Zealand at the tournament in England.

“You have to look at areas that are not good for you and when you’re right, that’s how you grow up,” Peat concluded.

“Growth from last week this week, are the key moments that extract the potential from this team.

“I hope they kick the rest of the tournament and then the largest picture is the World Cup.”