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It’s all over for four more years, here are some of the women who made the last three weeks a joy to watch.
Loosehead Toka Natua scored a hat-trick as New Zealand battled from 17 – 5 down to put 41 points on England.
On a day when Ireland’s World Cup preparations were criticised by now retired prop Ruth O’Reilly, Tierney maintained he was proud of the work he had done.
Wales ensured Ireland finish eighth at their home World Cup and will have to go through a qualification process for the next edition.
There’s plenty about the women’s game that is going in the right direction, but all rugby stakeholders should feel invested in growing it further.
Head coach Tom Tierney has made four changes, two enforced by concussion injuries.
The Grand Slam winner ensures there will be an Irish voice on the field in the deciding match of the WRWC.
‘We’ll wait and see where that takes me,’ says Tierney.
New Zealand scored seven tries on their way to the final, where they will face either England or France on Saturday.
Ireland face Australia on Tuesday for a shot at the fifth-placed play-off.
Who would you have in your tournament dream team so far?
Claire Molloy is leading the in taking accountability as her squad head for Belfast with only 5th place to play for.
Ireland ended the match, and their World Cup chase, lamented another opening half in which they were second best.
Tom Tierney’s side were 21 points down at the break, and had to wait until the last play of the game to register their first score.
The hardest hitter in Ireland’s arsenal is determined to make the free-flowing French stop and think.
An eight-try rout has left 2014 runners-up Canada out of the running for a semi-final berth.
Tom Tierney’s team selection paves the way for a serious battle in UCD tomorrow evening.
There is pace and power all over the tournament, but the subtle touches are to be celebrated.
At a tournament as intimate as this, you’re never far from the flesh and blood of one of the star attractions.
Despite two error-strewn displays, just France stand between Tom Tierney’s side and a World Cup semi-final.
That was too close for comfort.
The Azzurri were able to knock the champions a little off their stride and scored a terrific try of their own in the first half.
A home World Cup isn’t always an advantage.
The USA’s Kris Thomas also made the list thanks to a powerful tackle-busting finish against Italy.
Subs, replacements, finishers… call them what you want, Ireland used them to their full advantage against Australia.
Romane Menager’s extremely early try and Caroline Ladagnous’ hat-trick ensured a comfortable start for Ireland’s rivals.
’19-17 against Australia might look good in a few days’ time,’ says the Ireland head coach.
The Wallaroos were unforgiving opposition, but Ireland dug deep to take a vital victory on opening night.
The diminutive fullback got on the end of three of New Zealand’s eight opening day tries.
The Wallaroos will carry a direct threat and no little pedigree into UCD tonight, but all Irish cylinders are primed to fire.
This week has been anything but normal for Claire Molloy, but she knows the drill from here on.
Under Su Carty’s watch, women went from comprising 4% of the world’s rugby playing population to 25%
New Zealand’s brilliant scrum-half is working to create solid pathways for girls to follow in her footsteps.
Women’s sport needs high-profile events to spark interest for girls at a stage when, statistically, they’re dropping out.
Director of women’s rugby Anthony Eddy has taken flak for bringing players out of the 15-a-side scene, but he has consistently stuck by his decision.
The 29-year-old will replace Niamh Briggs who was forced to pull out of the tournament last week.
The Wallaroos are low on experience, but in no shortage of confidence as they bring their Olympic gold medalists to the 15s game.
Versatile New Zealand forward Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate explains the significance of the Kiwi cultural challenge.
The goal-kicking fullback suffered an ankle injury in training over the weekend.