New Zealand Crushes Ireland 40-0 in Women’s Rugby World Cup

BRIGHTON, England – New Zealand demonstrated their prowess at the Women’s World Cup with a resounding victory over Ireland, defeating them 40-0 on Saturday. In what was possibly the most anticipated match of the group stage, the Black Ferns lived up to expectations. Ireland, although showing spirit, could not match the performance of the five-time champions. Ireland accepted New Zealand’s haka challenge, advancing before both teams faced off in a tense confrontation that only intensified the fervor of the pro-Ireland fans.

“The bigger they are, the harder they fall,” commented an Irish fan before the start of the match. But there was no surprise in Brighton.

Irish Fan

Ireland started with energy, dominating the first few minutes, but failed to score points, which allowed New Zealand to escape unscathed. The Black Ferns kept their cool and scored their first try in the 15th minute. Dannah O’Brien, Ireland’s fly-half, failed to kick the ball from a penalty and New Zealand advanced. The ball reached Stacey Waaka on the right, and the outside center launched herself to score, leaving her opponents stunned. Moments later, they got the second try. Chryss Viliko broke through from close range after a lineout. New Zealand demonstrated why they are the masters of the World Cup, making the most of their opportunities and pressing in a matter of moments. Ireland’s afternoon worsened when fullback Stacey Flood had to be taken off the field injured, with her right leg immobilized.

New Zealand continued to dominate the key moments. Their attack was too fluid and their players, too fast. Braxton Sorensen-McGee, 18, added his team’s third try shortly before halftime, picking up the ball 30 meters out on the right wing, beating three Irish defenders in a magnificent display of his speed and skill. In an image almost identical to that of the first part, Ireland had a better start in the second, but it was New Zealand who scored first. Again, the ball went down the right and Sorensen-McGee had space to advance and cross the line. Ireland was resilient, but still couldn’t score points.

Ireland will take a lot from this match, but they faced the relentless machine that is the Black Ferns, who were too effective. Sorensen-McGee completed her second hat-trick in as many games with two minutes to go. This time, she slipped down the left wing after another well-worked play. The Auckland winger is quickly becoming the breakout star of the tournament. If Ireland thought it was finally over, it was mistaken; New Zealand had one last play up its sleeve. Jorja Miller broke down the right wing and passed the ball to Maia Joseph, who scored after 80 minutes. More ruthlessness from the Kiwis and another conversion from Renee Holmes brought the score to 40-0.