WXV1: Ireland stun world champions New Zealand in opener

Ireland have secured a sensational last-gasp 29-27 win over world champions New Zealand in their opening WXV1 match in Vancouver.

Replacement Erin King scored her second try of the game to level the score in the final minute, with fly-half Dannah O’Brien kicking the decisive conversion via the upright.

Ireland ran in a total of five tries while their opponents enjoyed the majority of possession but had three tries disallowed by the Television Match Official [TMO].

The stunning victory marks another significant milestone in Ireland’s recent renaissance under head coach Scott Bemand following a third-place finish in the 2024 Six Nations and a home victory over Australia in September.

Ireland’s next game is against hosts Canada on Saturday, while the Black Ferns will face holders England on Sunday.