Ireland 19 Australia 17
Tournament hosts Ireland made a winning start to the Women's Rugby World Cup with a hard fought win over Australia at the UCD Bowl in their opening pool C clash. Ireland led 7-5 at the break thanks to a first half try from scrum half Larissa Muldoon which was converted by Nora Stapleton after 20 minutes. Mahalia Murphy touched down for Australia just before the half hour mark to reduce the deficit to two points.
Australia took the lead in the 56th minute when Shannon Parry went over. Tom Tierney introduced Ciara Griffin and Sophie Spence in the second half and both players made the difference. Griffin put Ireland ahead in the 62nd minute and when Stapleton added the extras, the hosts led by four points. Spence scored Ireland's third try in the 70th minute to open up a nine point lead but Australia replied with their third try to set up a tense finish. Hilisha Samoa's try was converted by Ashleigh Hewson with five minutes to play but Ireland were able to see out the game to get off to a winning start in pool C.
Ireland's next game is on Sunday against Japan who were beaten 70-14 in the other pool C game today. Elsewhere on the opening day, defending champions England opened up with a 56-5 win over Spain in Pool B. USA saw off Italy 24-12 in the other pool B game and New Zealand ran out 44-12 winners against Wales in Pool A while Canada beat Hong Kong 98-0 in the same pool.
