Ireland’s women pulled off a stunning upset as they defeated world champions New Zealand 29-27 in their opening WXV1 match in Vancouver. Replacement Erin King scored her second try in the final minute to tie the game, with outside-half Dannah O’Brien calmly converting the decisive kick through the uprights.
New Zealand, who are set to face defending WXV champions England on Sunday, dominated possession throughout the match but had three tries disallowed by the TMO. Despite this, Ireland held strong and capitalized on their opportunities to score five tries.
Hooker Atlanta Lolohea ensured New Zealand got off to a quick start, scoring the opening try within nine minutes. Renee Holmes added the conversion and later kicked a penalty after Ireland’s flanker Aoife Wafer scored her first of two tries. Wafer touched down again just before the half-hour mark, with Gloucester-Hartpury hooker Neve Jones also crossing before halftime, giving Ireland a surprising 17-10 lead.
However, the world champions managed to level the score before the break, with wing Katelyn Vahaakolo scoring at the end of the half and Holmes converting. Holmes put New Zealand back in front with a penalty just before the hour mark, but that was all they could muster with Irish prop Niamh O’Dowd in the sin bin.
King’s first try put Ireland back ahead, but it seemed the shock result was averted when Mererangi Paul finished off a sweeping move, with Holmes adding her third conversion for a five-point lead. However, after relentless late pressure, King powered over for her second try, setting up O’Brien’s crucial goal-kick.
Ireland will face hosts Canada in their next game on Saturday.
