Ireland Falls Short of the Semi-Finals at the Women’s Rugby World Cup
Ireland suffered a painful defeat in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, losing 18-13 to France at Sandy Park, after leading 13-0 at half-time.
The team led by Scott Bemand was looking for their second semi-final appearance, and seemed to be in control of the match after tries from Linda Djougang and Stacey Flood in the first half.
However, France staged a surprising comeback in the second half, with a crucial try by Joanna Grisez with 13 minutes to go, which broke the hearts of the Irish women.
The match started promisingly for Ireland, when Niamh O’Dowd was taken down near the line and her front-row teammate, Djougang, scored the first try. Dannah O’Brien failed to convert the play.Joanna Grisez from France celebrates scoring the decisive try against Ireland in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
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 good ball movement, Flood scored the try. O’Brien couldn’t convert again.
The opening finally found success between the posts to extend the lead to 13-0 with a penalty. Despite an intense offensive at the end of the first half, Ireland could not extend their lead.
The start of the French comeback came with a penalty by Morgane Bourgeois at the beginning of the second half. Ireland’s situation was further complicated when Grace Moore was sent to the bench.
Charlotte Escudero found space to break the Irish line, after a good ball movement from France, reducing the distance to 13-10.
The game changed when Amee-Leigh Costigan was outnumbered in a two-on-one situation, and Grisez took the opportunity to steal the ball and run to the try line, turning the score around.
Bourgeois scored a penalty in the final minutes, leaving Ireland needing a try to tie, but France held on for the victory, securing their place in the semi-finals.
