Ireland Fades 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, losing 18-13 against France after squandering a 13-0 lead at halftime at Sandy Park.
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 by 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 with a numerical advantage, Ireland moved the ball through the hands, where Flood was waiting to cross the line. O’Brien missed the conversion again.
The opening finally went between the posts to extend the lead to 13-0 with a penalty before an offensive at the end of the first half saw the Irish go through 33 phases, but they failed to extend their lead.
A penalty by Morgane Bourgeois at the start of the second half initiated the French comeback, and Ireland’s situation became even more complicated when Grace Moore was sent to the sin bin.
Charlotte Escudero found space to break the Irish line after France moved the ball well to reduce the difference to 13-10.
Then came the crucial moment of the match. Amee-Leigh Costigan found herself in a two-on-one situation, but was intercepted.
Grisez took possession in the Irish field and ran to the end to give his team the advantage for the first time.
Bourgeois scored a late penalty, leaving Ireland needing a try to get back into the match, but France held on to advance to the semi-finals.
