In a thrilling game in Vancouver, the ladies’ team of Ireland displayed an incredible performance, defeating the reigning world champion New Zealand, 29-27. Ireland’s substitute Erin King equalised the scores in the final minute with her second try, shortly before Dannah O’Brien stepped up calmly to land a crucial conversion off the upright. Despite having most of the ball’s possession, the Kiwis had three attempts disallowed by the video official and were unable to break Ireland’s resilience.
New Zealand, meeting the current champions England next Sunday, got off to a flying start with Atlanta Lolohea scoring the first points of the match within nine minutes. After Ireland’s flanker Aoife Wafer scored her first of two tries, Renee Holmes successfully scored a penalty conversion for the opponents.
By the end of the first half, Ireland surprisingly led 17-10 with Wafer scoring another try after thirty minutes, and Neve Jones also adding points. However, it was all square at half time, thanks to New Zealand’s wing Katelyn Vahaakolo’s score and subsequent Holmes conversion.
New Zealand went ahead on a penalty converted by Holmes just before the hour, but that was it with Ireland’s Niamh O’Dowd off the pitch due to a sin bin. Straight after King’s first try, Ireland went ahead once again. However, New Zealand surged forward with Mererangi Paul completing a great run, allowing Holmes to earn her third conversion leaving New Zealand with a five-point lead.
Even though it seemed like the match was slipping from Ireland’s grasp, they continued to fight back. King clinched her second try following a period of intense late pressure from Ireland, which allowed O’Brien to nail the game-winning penalty. The Irish ladies are set to compete against Canada next on Saturday.