Ireland stun world champions New Zealand in major WXV1 shock

Ireland’s women produced an upset as they stunned world champions New Zealand 29-27 in their opening WXV1 match in Vancouver.

Replacement Erin King grabbed her second try to level the scores in the last minute, outside-half Dannah O’Brien holding her nerve to land the decisive conversion via the upright.

New Zealand, who face defending WXV champions England on Sunday, had the bulk of possession throughout the game and had three tries ruled out by the TMO, but Ireland stood firm and seized their chances to run in five tries.

Hooker Atlanta Lolohea had ensured New Zealand made a fast start, grabbing the opening score after nine minutes. Renee Holmes added the conversion and was on target again with a penalty after the Ireland flanker Aoife Wafer had gone over for the first of her two tries.

Wafer touched down again just after the half-hour, Gloucester-Hartpury hooker Neve Jones also crossing before the break as Ireland opened a surprise 17-10 lead. But the world champions were level at the break, wing Katelyn Vahaakolo scoring at the end of the half with Holmes adding the conversion.

Holmes put New Zealand back in front with a penalty just before the hour, but that was all they could manage with Irish prop Niamh O’Dowd in the sin bin.

King’s first try put Ireland back ahead, but thoughts of a shock result appeared to have been ended when Mererangi Paul rounded off a sweeping move, Holmes adding her third conversion for a five-point lead. But after relentless late pressure, King powered over for her second to set up O’Brien’s clinching goal-kick.

Ireland face hosts Canada in their next game on Saturday.