Ireland full-back Niamh Briggs scored the first try of the match but back came Wales with a score of their own through No.15 Rosie Fletcher.

Elinor Snowsill notched the conversion to level the scores before Laura Prosser’s penalty edged the home side ahead but with victory beckoning, Bourke snatched victory with just five minutes to go.

Wales now have the prospect of a daunting trip to Paris to face France, who also suffered a narrow defeat in the opening weekend against Italy.

But having seen his side banish the memory of last year’s defeat to Ireland – a 36-0 thrashing – Edwards is adamant his side must be proud of their performance.

“That was the best performance the girls have put in over the past two years,” he said.

“The scrum was dominant and our defence was always in control.

“It’s a real kick in the teeth to lose a game that was there for the taking but we go to France next week knowing that if we repeat the performance, we’ve got a great chance of coming away with a positive result.”