In September last year Ireland left the rugby world in shock as they defeated the world champions New Zealand in a closely fought 29-27 WXV 1 victory. The win not only created one of Ireland’s most famous victories and biggest upsets but it also teed up perfectly the two nations’ clash in the Rugby World Cup. They have history on this world stage as in 2014 Ireland beat New Zealand and there was another twist in Brighton as the Black Ferns enacted revenge in emphatic fashion as they left their rivals scoreless to top the pool.
One New Zealand player who was not in the team when Ireland last beat the Black Ferns was the wing Braxton Sorensen-McGee. The versatile back, who has started in both the wing and full-back positions so far this tournament, made her debut in May and had been a bright light.
Sorensen-McGee added to her prowess and was electric on Sunday with a hat-trick to back up the three she scored last week against Japan. Her first was the best of the three as she beat three defenders to run in. She is more than living up to the hype put on her shoulders pre-tournament.
Moving through the city to get to the train station, you could look in any direction and there would be an Irish fan wearing a green jersey. On the train a little girl in full Irish kit took a tally of supporters walking by her window: “Green, green, oh a New Zealand jersey, green, green.” The match was a sell-out, just as the Red Roses game had been the day before, and the excitement, fan engagement and banter flying between supporters were all evidence that women’s rugby in England and beyond has changed forever.
What never changes is the spine-tingling atmosphere the haka generates and as it concluded Ireland took a step forward with both teams staring each other down for over a minute before dispersing for kick-off.
Territory was gained and lost by both sides through penalties and it took a sublime team try from the Black Ferns to break the deadlock. It was a sumptuous play with Layla Sae making the initial break before it quickly passed through hands to see Stacey Waaka over.
New Zealand had a foothold and they did not take it off the gas with Chryss Viliko scoring but Béibhinn Parsons charged down Renee Holmes’ conversion after the referee, Hollie Davidson, said the full-back had already started her kick.
The back and forth of this bruising encounter continued with mini battles across the pitch with Ireland having a slight upper hand at set piece but in defence the Black Ferns reigned, pushing Ireland backwards in every attack they set. At one ruck the Ireland full-back Stacey Flood was forced back and that was her afternoon over as she departed with a suspected ankle injury.
The 18-year-old Sorensen-McGee had her brilliant solo try, next. She then added another two to take her World Cup tally to five before Maia Joseph sealed the dominant win.
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The other game in this pool was a thriller between Spain and Japan, who were both trying to avoid finishing bottom of the pool after two defeats each. Spain powered to a 14-5 lead at half-time with tries from Cristina Blanco and Monica Castelo.
Japan, however, pulled off a comeback win as Iroha Nagata, Wako Kitano, Komachi Imakugi and Jennifer Nduka scored to seal their only win of the competition. Both nations will now head home – unlike New Zealand and Ireland who march on to the quarter-finals.
Their tournament runs are not the only thing that will be rumbling on as this rivalry is one for the ages which will keep crowds flocking for years to come.
