Ireland Fades Against France in Women’s Rugby World Cup Quarterfinals
Ireland suffered a painful defeat in the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-finals, squandering a 13-0 lead at halftime and falling to France with a score of 18-13 at Sandy Park.
The team led by Scott Bemand was looking for their second appearance in the semi-finals, and seemed to be in control of the match after Linda Djougang and Stacey Flood scored in the first half.
However, France surprised with a dramatic comeback after the break, with Joanna Grisez scoring the crucial try with 13 minutes to go, breaking the hearts of the Irish.
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 trip on Eve Higgins, and Ireland increased their lead in the 30th minute. Aoife Wafer was close to scoring, and Flood managed to cross the line. O’Brien missed the conversion again.
The opening finally found success between the posts to extend the lead to 13-0 with a penalty. An attack at the end of the first half saw Ireland go through 33 phases, but they failed to extend their lead.
Morgane Bourgeois’ penalty at the start of the second half initiated the French comeback, and Ireland’s situation became more precarious when Grace Moore was sent to the bench.
Charlotte Escudero found space to break the Irish line after France moved the ball well, reducing the difference to 13-10.
Then came the crucial moment of the match. Amee-Leigh Costigan faced a two-on-one, but was overtaken. Grisez took possession in the Irish field and ran to the try line to give her team the lead for the first time.
Bourgeois scored a late penalty, leaving Ireland needing a try to get back into the game, but France held on for the win to advance to the semi-finals.
