Great Britain edged out Ireland 21 – 12 in the Olympic Women’s Sevens Pool B rugby competition, thwarting the Irish team’s Olympic debut. The Irish women’s rugby sevens team faced a bitter lose in their inaugural Pool B match against their highly competitive British counterparts, a launch eight years in the making.
Even though Ireland held a 12-7 lead in the first half, courtesy of two brilliant tries by Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe, Great Britain quickly counter-attacked in the second half with two unreturned tries, both effectively switched, bolstering their chances of making it to the quarter-finals as a top-tier team.
Despite losing to Ireland in the four most recent matchups, including one in May, Britain was more seasoned in the Olympics, having secured fourth place in both Tokyo and Rio.
This fact didn’t seem to faze Ireland, as they shaped up nicely, with Murphy Crowe scoring an early try just two minutes in, following some outstanding ball possession from Béibhinn Parsons.
Ireland had also arrived in Paris as the only team besides Australia and New Zealand to clinch a round in this year’s World Series when they emerged champs in Perth in January.
In response to Ireland’s opening score, Britain aggressively regained control, with Isla Norman-Bell capitalising on a missed tackle to score beneath the posts, with the try easily switched for a 7-5 lead.
As the clock exceeded three minutes into extra time in the first half, Murphy Crowe score once more, this time successfully converted by Lucy Mulhall Rock, putting Ireland in the lead at 12-7 at half-time.
However, shortly into the second half, Jasmine Joyce scored her 10th Olympic try, having also participated in Tokyo and Rio. From there, Britain began to take over. Emma Uren, the British captain, increased their lead with another try, leaving Ireland to deal with a daunting shortfall. Although Ireland had one more shot at the goal, they were unable to penetrate the formidable British defense.
Ireland is gearing up for their second match against South Africa, scheduled for 6pm Irish time, where they are predicted to come out on top. They will subsequently face off against Australia the following day at 1.30pm local time. Australia clearly demonstrated why they are considered one of the tournament favourites with an impressive 34-5 triumph over South Africa in their first match.
The Irish team line-up includes Stacey Flood, Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe, Béibhinn Parsons, Megan Burns, Lucy Mulhall Rock as captain, Erin King, and Emily Lane. The substitutes are Ashleigh Orchard, Vicki Elmes Kinlan, Alanna Fitzpatrick, Kathy Baker, and Eve Higgins.
Representing Great Britain are Lisa Thomson, Ellie Boatman, Lauren Torley, Emma Uren who is the captain, Isla Norman-Bell, Meg Jones, and Jasmine Joyce. The replacement players consist of Jade Shekells, Grace Crompton, Heather Cowell, and Ellie Kildunne.