Ireland Falls Short Against France in Women’s Rugby World Cup Quarterfinals
Ireland suffered a painful defeat in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, squandering a 13-0 lead at halftime and falling 18-13 to France at Sandy Park.
The team led by Scott Bemand was looking for their second semi-final appearance, and seemed to be in control after tries from Linda Djougang and Stacey Flood in the first half.
However, France surprised with a dramatic comeback in the second half, with Joanna Grisez scoring the crucial try 13 minutes from the end, breaking the hearts of the Irish women.
The match started promisingly for Ireland, when Niamh O’Dowd was taken down near the line and her teammate Djougang scored the first try. Dannah O’Brien missed the conversion.Rose Bernadou was sent to the sin bin for a dangerous tackle on Eve Higgins, and Ireland extended their lead in the 30th minute.
Aoife Wafer was close to scoring, and after a play, Flood managed to cross the try line. O’Brien missed the conversion again.
The opening finally hit between the posts to extend the lead to 13-0 with a penalty. Ireland tried to extend their lead with 33 phases, but did not succeed.
A penalty by Morgane Bourgeois at the start of the second half initiated the French comeback, and Ireland’s situation became complicated when Grace Moore was sent to the bench.
Charlotte Escudero found space to break the Irish line, bringing France closer to 13-10.
The crucial moment of the match came when Amee-Leigh Costigan missed an opportunity to extend Ireland’s lead. Grisez took advantage of the possession and ran to the try line to give France the lead.
Bourgeois scored a late penalty, leaving Ireland needing a try to get back in the game, but France held firm to advance to the semi-finals.
