New Zealand are going to win a seventh world trophy. That is what hundreds of Kiwi pundits are telling us, and the Black Ferns’ performance against the Irish (40-0) adds strength to their contention. But first the schedule: Saturday 13 September New Zealand v South Africa KO 13.00* Canada v Australia KO 16.00 Sunday 14
This was the pick of the day’s matches, a contest between the world champs and a nation ranked a proud fifth. It didn’t work out like that. Ireland started strongly, winning around 75% in the first ten minutes. But, like other losing sides on the day, they couldn’t maintain this dominance. For all the possession
You can take your pick of the most emotionally charged fixture of the coming weekend, but here’s my choice, Ireland v New Zealand. Allan Bunting had paid the Irish the highest compliment: none of Amy Rule, Kennedy Tukuafu, Maria Joseph, Ayesha Leti-I’Iga or Theresa Setefano find a place in the starting XV. He has given
Ireland v Japan All Irish fans knew their team had the beating of the Sakura. The worry was, could they be sure they’d maintain recent progress? Sam Monaghan was back, but Scott Bemand didn’t risk Aoife Wafer. The answer was a resounding yes. The Sakura; famed for their fast, disciplined approach, couldn’t withstand the all-round
The world knows – the Irish have come on in leaps and bounds in the past two years. The central question is whether they can overcome a series of injury doubts and setbacks to do themselves justice. (full list below) Their recent record at the RWC is none too promising. Their performance in their own
The result looks like a runaway win for the visitors, but the coaches won’t see it that way. Both will have concerns. Kevin Rouet will be asking what happened to his side for long stretches of the second half. Ireland registered three tries to add to an early success. For Scott Bemand the concerns run
The newly sponsored Affidea Stadium in Belfast (formerly the Kingspan) will host a big game between nations aiming to go a very long way in the World Cup. Scott Bemand has made ten changes to the last side he put out: 15 FLOOD 14 PARSONS 13 DALTON 12 BREEN 11 McGANN 10 O’BRIEN 9 REILLY
Neither side will be satisfied with the game, but Ireland righted the wrong of their loss in Edinburgh last April. Astonishingly this was their first match since then, and it showed at the start. Scotland, playing with confidence, moved into a 14-0 lead. Lisa Thomson completed strong pressure to force her way over. She was
News that Aoife Wafer’s knee injury makes it unlikely she will recover in time for the World Cup is disastrous for her and her nation. Even the knock-out stages in eight weeks’ time make a full recovery highly unlikely. With this latest misfortune Ireland lose a third vital member of the back five. We already
Two training squads announced Within 24 hours both Bryan Easson and Scott Bemand have named their training squads for the coming 2025 RWC. The good news includes the names of much missed players returning to duty from injury. In particular, Emma Wassell for Scotland and Sam Monaghan and Beibhinn Parsons for Ireland. For Ireland Sarah
Social Networks