Ireland will play France in the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final following a chastening 40-0 defeat to New Zealand.
Scott Bemand’s side, after a bright opening 10 minutes, were under pressure for the rest of the game and never really fired a shot, while they conceded six tries.
Here’s how we rated the players.
15. Stacey Flood – 5.5
Like so many of the Ireland team, had little or no ball to play with and departed early with a foot injury that puts her availability for next weekend’s quarter-final in major doubt. Saved two points when charging out for Renee Holmes’s second conversion attempt.
14. Béibhinn Parsons 5.5
Was penalised for a high tackle on Braxton Sorensen-McGee and found herself on the back foot for most of the proceedings. Carried three times for 29 metres. Helped, alongside Flood, to prevent the second conversion.
13. Aoife Dalton 6.5
Was the most lively of the Ireland backs but again, had to operate with little go-forward ball. Almost got away a couple of times but was able to recycle. Made six tackles.
12. Eve Higgins – 6.5
Another who departed early but head coach Scott Bemand reckons she should be okay for next week. Was moved to full-back after Flood’s departure. Got caught out with a long kick that almost led to a New Zealand try. Mixed bag.
11. Amee-Leigh Costigan – 6
Good effort but restricted in chances. Was denied a try with a cruel bounce after Dannah O’Brien had spotted space in behind. Got her hands on the ball five times and made five tackles.
10. Dannah O’Brien – 6
The out-half had nothing to work off in terms of front-foot ball and had a mixed day. Some kicks going too far to cause problems for the Black Ferns, while a restart went dead. Knocked on at the end.
9. Aoibheann Reilly – 6
Tough day at the office for the scrum-half. A kinder pass when Ireland were on top at the start for Brittany Hogan might have ended with a try. Was penalised at the scrum but came up with a try-saving tackle on Jorja Miller
1. Niamh O’Dowd – 6.5
The prop was a late call-up for the injured Ellena Perry and made a couple of good carries that almost broke the New Zealand line. Got the better of Tanya Kalounivale to win a scrum penalty and was the top Irish tackler with 14
2. Neve Jones – 6
Got through a lot of defensive work and had to clean up a couple of times under pressure from the New Zealand rush defence. Had one overthrow. Completed nine tackles.
3. Linda Djougang – 6.5
Never less than 100%, the tighthead was active on both sides of the ball. Made nine tackles and was withdrawn with 20 minutes remaining with an eye on next weekend.
4. Ruth Campbell – 7
Provides a much-needed raw edge to the Irish pack but that comes with penalties concessions included. Nicked a New Zealand lineout throw and claimed seven. Almost made the line when Ireland enjoyed their best spell in the third quarter.
5. Sam Monaghan – 6.5
A brave performance from the co-captain under relentless pressure from a fired-up Black Ferns pack. Knocked on in contact in the first half but honest and stood up.
6. Grace Moore – 7.5
All-action performance from the flanker who racked up 13 tackles. Tried her best with ball in hand and almost broke free. Played through the pain after getting injured winning a turnover.
7. Edel McMahon – 6.5
Busy shift from the flanker, who missed the win over Spain. Made nine tackles but got few opportunities with ball in hand. Withdrawn after 45 minutes but Bemand believes she’ll be fine for Sunday’s game against France.
8. Brittany Hogan – 6.5
Struggled, like the rest of the team, to get any decent ball to attack with but delivered a typically honest shift. Made eight carries and completed seven tackles.
Replacements
16. ClÃodhna Moloney-MacDonald (for Jones 50) – 5.5
Was shunted back unceremoniously a couple of times and lineout issues remain.
17. Siobhán McCarthy (for O’Dowd 61) – 6
Late call-up to the bench, eager to get on the ball.
18. Sadhbh McGrath (for Djougang) – 6
Hard to make any impression.
19. Eimear Corri-Fallon (for Monaghan 61) – 6
Earned a penalty following up Emily Lane’s chip.
20. Claire Boles (for McMahon 45) – 6.5
Tried to make something happen, registered six tackles.
21. Emily Lane (for Reilly 61) – 6.5
Added some impetus to the Irish attack.
22. Nancy McGillivray (for Flood 33) – 6
Early replacement for Flood, tackled well but gave away a penalty.
23. Anna McGann (for Parsons 45) – 5.5
Delivered a poor pass after running sideways, limited opportunity.