Ireland 29-27 New Zealand
Ireland produced an upset as they stunned world champions New Zealand 29-27 in their opening WXV1 clash in Vancouver.
Replacement Erin King grabbed her second try to level the scores in the last minute, outside-half Dannah O’Brien holding her nerve to land the decisive conversion via the upright.
New Zealand, who face defending champions England on Sunday, had the bulk of possession throughout the game and had three tries ruled out by the TMO, but Ireland stood firm and seized their chances to run in five tries.
"I'm lost for words, that was unbelievable," said captain Edel McMahon.
"The girls [got] stuck in right from the get-go and that went to the wire.
"We had belief in each other and ourselves, it was absolutely amazing...it was unreal."
Hooker Atlanta Lolohea got New Zealand off to a fast start, grabbing the opening score after nine minutes.
Renee Holmes added the conversion and was on target again with a penalty after Ireland flanker Aoife Wafer had gone over for the first of her two tries.
Aoife Wafer is taking this match by storm ⛈️
— WXV (@WXVRugby) September 30, 2024
The 21 year-old has scored two tries against the reigning World Champions, New Zealand 👏#WXV | #WXV1 | #NZLvIRE pic.twitter.com/KDoUQZ0McS
Wafer touched down again just after the half-hour, Gloucester-Hartpury hooker Neve Jones also crossing before the break as Ireland opened a surprise 17-10 lead.
But the world champions were level at the break, wing Katelyn Vahaakolo scoring at the end of the half with Holmes adding the conversion.
Holmes put New Zealand back in front with a penalty just before the hour, but that was all they could manage with Irish prop Niamh O’Dowd in the sin bin.
King’s first try put Ireland back ahead, but thoughts of a shock result appeared to have been ended when Mererangi Paul rounded off a sweeping move, Holmes adding her third conversion for a five-point lead.
But Ireland would not lie down and after relentless late pressure, King powered over for her second to set up O’Brien’s clinching conversion.
Ireland face hosts Canada in their next game on Saturday.
Absolutely unbelievable scenes ☘️
— WXV (@WXVRugby) September 30, 2024
Look at what this result means to the Ireland players and staff 🫶#WXV | #WXV1 | #NZLvIRE https://t.co/9AW5UIn6ft pic.twitter.com/5CB5sudgu7
Ireland: Stacey Flood; Eimear Considine, Aoife Dalton, Enya Breen, Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe; Dannah O'Brien, Molly Scuffil-McCabe; Niamh O'Dowd, Neve Jones, Linda Djougang; Dorothy Wall, Fiona Tuite; Aoife Wafer, Edel McMahon (capt), Brittany Hogan.
Replacements: Clíodhna Moloney, Siobhán McCarthy, Andrea Stock, Grace Moore, Erin King, Emily Lane, Eve Higgins, Vicky Elmes Kinlan.
New Zealand: Renee Holmes; Ruby Tui, Logo-i-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt, Amy du Plessis, Katelyn Vahaakolo; Ruahei Demant (co-capt), Maia Joseph; Marcelle Parkes, Atlanta Lolohea, Amy Rule; Chelsea Bremner, Maiakawanakaulani Roos; Layla Sae, Kennedy Tukuafu (co-capt), Liana Mikaele-Tu'u.
Replacements: Luka Connor, Chryss Viliko, Tanya Kalounivale, Alana Bremner, Lucy Jenkins, Iritana Hohaia, Hannah King, Mererangi Paul.
Referee: Sara Cox.
