Ireland 23-17 USA
Ireland began their World Cup campaign with a 23-17 win over the USA. Ireland began the game on the front foot and took a 3-0 lead inside the opening 5 minutes through a Niamh Briggs penalty. In reply the USA scored the opening try of the contest after a missed tackle in the Irish defensive line. The USA began to batter the Irish defence but the Irish held firm and began to get the upper hand in both defence and attack.
Niamh Briggs added a 2nd penalty to leave the score 7-6. Ailish Egan scored Ireland’s opening try of the tournament after some good Irish forward play. Ireland did struggle throughout in the scrum but their work at the line out was a sight to behold reminiscent of the Irish men’s team that won the six nations earlier this year. Ireland led 13-7 before a US penalty put three points between the teams to leave the score 13-10. Just before half time, Ireland struck for a 2nd time through a Niamh Briggs try again after some good build up play by the Irish forwards.
The Irish forwards led the way in this game and laid the foundations for the win. Two minutes into the 2nd half, The US got their 2nd try of the day and again put three points between the teams for most of the 2nd half the gap was the same until Niamh Briggs hit another penalty to six points between the sides. The introduction of some US substitutes seemed to give the US a real boost but they failed to convert pressure into points and Ireland’s experience saw them through to win by six.
Ireland must improve on a number of fronts before next week’s game against New Zealand. When they get an opportunity they must take it. They can take solace from their hard work and that can be the first building block to gain victory over New Zealand next week.
By
Cian Mc Gibney
01/08/2014.
