LARISSA MULDOON SCORED the first try of the Women’s Rugby World Cup this evening as Ireland opened with a dramatic 19-17 win over Australia at the Belfield Bowl in Dublin.
In a brave performance by the tournament hosts, Cappry native Muldoon popped in for a 20th minute try, which was in turn converted by Fahan’s Nora Stapleton for a magnificent start for both Ireland and the Donegal duo. See Muldoon’s try below courtesy of Eir Sport.
Ten minutes later, Australia pulled a try back from Mahalia Murphy to make the half-time score Ireland 7-5 Australia.
That’s the way it stayed until Australia eked in front in the 59th minute when Shannon Parry touched down for a three-point advantage. However, two minutes later, Ciara Griffin grabbed Ireland’s second try and Stapleton converted to put Ireland back in the driving seat, 14-10 in front. Eleven minutes from time, Sophie Spence added another Irish try – with the TMO providing the official word – and it was 19-10 to the side managed by Tom Tierney.
Hilisha Samao scored a late try for Australia and with Ashleigh Hewson converting there was a nervy finish but Ireland held on to win and will play Japan in their second pool match on Sunday, with France the other team in Pool C.
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