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NZL vs IRL
WXV 1
BC Place, Vancouver
New Zealand
vs
Ireland
27
FT
29
Action
Lineups
All
Facts Only
All
Full-Time: 27 - 29
Looking ahead, the Black Ferns will need to regroup as they face England next in WXV 1, a challenging fixture against one of the top teams in the competition. Meanwhile, Ireland will carry their momentum into their clash against Canada, buoyed by this memorable and hard-fought victory over New Zealand. For now, that is all we have time for in this one. Thanks for tuning into Tribe's coverage of WXV 1.
Ireland's bench played a key role in the outcome, with Erin King emerging as the match-winner. Her two tries, especially the decisive one in the dying moments, were a testament to her impact off the bench. The Black Ferns' scramble defence was valiant, but the unrelenting pressure from Ireland proved too much in the end.
For New Zealand, it was a game of missed opportunities. Sylvia Brunt and Amy du Plessis were standouts in the midfield, making several dangerous runs, while Ruahei Demant orchestrated play well at first five-eighth. Kennedy Tukuafu was a force in the loose forwards, and Katelyn Vaha'akolo looked dangerous when given a chance. However, the disallowed tries proved costly, and their inability to convert pressure into points ultimately let Ireland back into the match.
Throughout the second half, Ireland's grit and determination were on full display. Wafer continued her outstanding performance from the first half, leading from the front with hard carries and solid defence. O’Brien kicked intelligently, keeping the Black Ferns pinned back in their half, while Molly Scuffil-McCabe and the Irish pack worked tirelessly to win crucial turnovers and secure possession.
It was a game of fine margins, and New Zealand briefly regained the lead in the 73rd minute. A well-worked set-piece saw Sylvia Brunt break in behind to find Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, before Paul finished the move with a brilliant try down the right-hand side. However, Ireland fought back immediately, and substitute Erin King powered over for her second try of the match in the 79th minute. Dannah O’Brien’s conversion from just to the left of the posts hit the upright but bounced in, putting Ireland ahead at the death.
The second half began with more drama, as the Black Ferns thought they had taken the lead early when Sylvia Brunt dived over the line, only for the try to be disallowed after a TMO check showed she lost control of the ball. The Black Ferns then had another try denied in the 53rd minute when Mererangi Paul appeared to score, only for the TMO to rule a knock-on in the build-up. A third opportunity was squandered shortly after, as Luka Connor’s effort from a maul was chalked off for obstruction.
In a thrilling contest that went down to the wire, Ireland edged past the Black Ferns by two points, securing a famous victory after the scores were level at 17-all at half time. The first half saw both teams trade blows, with New Zealand opening the scoring through a powerful maul that sent Atlanta Lolohea over the line. Ireland responded quickly, with Aoife Wafer crashing through multiple defenders to level the scores. Renee Holmes then added a penalty to give the Black Ferns a brief lead, but Wafer's second try and a pick and go effort from Neve Jones had Ireland on top before Katelyn Vaha'akolo finished a stunning try just before the break to bring the scores level.
80+2'
A FAMOUS IRISH VICTORY! The scrum is steady for Ireland and the ball is sent into touch! That is full-time!
80+1'
Holmes' kick off does not travel 10m and Ireland opt for the scrum on halfway.