Ireland’s women’s rugby team pulled off a sensational victory in their opening match of the WXV1 tournament in Vancouver, defeating reigning world champions New Zealand by 29 points to 27.
At the heart of this thrilling win was Tullow’s Dannah O’Brien, whose conversion after Erin King’s late try secured the upset in dramatic fashion.
O’Brien, starting at out-half, was instrumental in guiding Scott Bemand’s side to their hard-fought triumph. Her composure under pressure proved vital, as she calmly slotted the crucial conversion that pushed Ireland ahead with time running out.
The match was a back-and-forth contest, with both teams displaying attacking flair. Ireland ran in five tries in total. As the clock ticked down, Ireland found themselves trailing, but a late surge saw Erin King cross the line for a try that put Ireland within touching distance of victory. The responsibility then fell to O’Brien, and the Tullow native delivered when it mattered most, nailing the conversion to complete the stunning turnaround.
Ireland will now turn their attention to their next game against Canada on Saturday, buoyed by the confidence that comes from defeating the world champions. For O’Brien, this performance not only highlights her skill but also cements her role as a key player in Ireland’s WXV1 campaign.
Fans will be eagerly watching as Ireland take on Canada, with the Tullow star sure to play a central role in their quest for another victory.
Clutch from Dannah! 🤌#IrishRugby pic.twitter.com/2DXl8WrykS
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) September 30, 2024