The Irish women's rugby team recorded their most famous ever win in the early hours of Monday morning, as Scott Bemand's side bested world champions New Zealand 29-27 in the WXV series.
The two sides were level at halftime, with Aoife Wafer touching down for two first-half tries and Neve Jones also crossing the line. Erin King scored two tries after the restart, and it was Dannah O’Brien who nailed the conversion to seal the tight-historic victory.
Some might downplay the result, but for context, the women's game in Ireland has long lagged behind the men's and can hardly be described as professional despite ongoing efforts to advance it.
Wooden spoons in Six Nations tournaments and heavy defeats at the hands of England and France have previously left fans of the women’s team pondering, "What’s the point?" However, Ireland's stunning win is a huge statement for Scott Bemand's side.
Player of the Match Aoife Wafer said after the game, “It’s unbelievable.
“We wanted to give the fans at home something to cheer about, and to have the group behind us like that is incredibly special. To put out what we’ve done right now is hard to put into words.
Absolutely incredible.
Ireland beat the defending World Cup champions New Zealand 29-27.
Erin King with a try after 78mins, Dannah O’Brien with the winning conversion.
Aoife Wafer player of the match.
Sensational team performance. pic.twitter.com/O4xucvVxYU— Sinéad Kissane (@sineadkissane) September 30, 2024
“But I’m sure we’ll enjoy tonight, and we’ll get straight back to the grind on Monday. We couldn’t have done it without 1-23 [players]. I know some of the girls didn’t get a chance to come on today, but we needed every single one of them during the week because they’re the ones who tee us up.
“Our 15 go out to start the game, then we have our finishers coming on, and everybody else who we need.
“Let’s go Ireland!”
Fans have also reacted positively to the win, with some even comparing it to Ireland's statement victory over New Zealand at Soldier Field in 2016.
“This is as big as Chicago 10 years ago, tbh. A huge change in the future of Irish rugby. We are here to stay,” said one user on X. Rugby commentator Ryle Nugent remarked, "Not in a million years did I think I’d wake to this... absolutely fantastic result for @IrishRugby... not so much building as getting the whole project done about three years ahead of schedule!!"
Another X account said, “I saw this Ireland team taken apart by England earlier this year. It wasn’t pretty—pros vs. amateurs. This is an incredible result in the context of where Ireland have been recently.”
Ireland faces hosts Canada in their next game on Saturday.
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 (captain), 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-captain), 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, and Mererangi Paul.
Referee: Sara Cox.
