Balmer looks to take the challenge to the Irish

Tonight (31 January 2014), Scotland Women face Ireland at their adopted home of Ashbourne RFC (7.30pm), in the first game of the 2014 Six Nations Championship.Ireland come into the game as favourites after a clean sweep in last year’s competition took them to Grand Slam glory. However, Scotland are taking the challenge in their stride and are looking to prove that they belong competing with the best sides in world rugby.Scotland Women captain, Tracy Balmer, said: “This first game is massive for us. We know that we’ve got to get that crucial win to kick off the championship as we mean to go on. “We’ve worked extremely hard in training to get to where we are and the mood around the camp is very positive. We’re all looking forward to the game and to see how we fair against what we know will be a strong Ireland side.”Over the past few months, every individual in the squad has geared their life towards this campaign, giving one hundred percent, but we know that it’s how we act upon the preparation which counts.”The futureBalmer, is keen to point out that the women’s game is increasing in popularity on the global stage and that Scotland are wanting to be part of the revolution.She continues: “As the women’s game grows, so do we. We want to prove that we belong in the upper reaches of the international game and belief that this Championship is a great place for us to stake our claim.”Scotland Women v Ireland Women will be streamed online at http://www.irishrugby.ie/ireland/live_streaming.php