Ireland's Stunning Victory Over New Zealand Marks New Era for Women's Rugby

Vancouver, Canada – Ireland's women produced a rugby miracle on Sunday, stunning reigning world champions New Zealand 29-27 in a gripping WXV1 clash that epitomized their resurgence under head coach Scott Bemand. Ireland lock Dorothy Wall called the shock win "just mad" as her team completed an unforgettable victory with a last-gasp try from Erin King, followed by a dramatic conversion by Dannah O'Brien that clipped the upright before going over.

"It's crazy where we've come in two years," said Wall, hailing from Tipperary. "To beat the Black Ferns in WXV1 is something we dreamed of."

This victory comes at the end of a transformative period for Irish women's rugby. In the 2023 Six Nations, Ireland endured a dismal campaign, finishing bottom after losing all five games. Bemand, who was brought on as head coach three months later, has overseen a remarkable turnaround in fortunes, rebuilding a squad that had not only failed to qualify for the World Cup but also faced turmoil off the pitch, as 62 past and present players penned a letter to the Irish Government expressing their loss of "all trust and confidence in the IRFU."

In the face of adversity, the Irish team has grown. "It's insane, like we said, and what dreams are made of, but we were prepared for these moments," Wall added. "We went into the Vancouver contest convinced we could shock the world champions. We were prepared to be in that scenario. We all knew what the plan was come the time, and we delivered."

Wall also credited Bemand and his coaching staff for the significant improvements in their game. "What they’ve put in place in terms of strength and conditioning and nutrition, how we train, how we start the week, how prepared we are… it’s amazing the support that we have, and then we have the players," she said. "It’s insane stuff—the belief that we have in the squad and the very talented athletes and people that are in this team."

The Irish team’s belief in their ability to compete at the highest level was embodied by Aoife Wafer, who scored two tries in Sunday's historic win. The 21-year-old flanker from Wexford spoke of her joy following the match. "The mood in the camp after the victory was pretty indescribable," Wafer said. "As a kid growing up in rugby, I’ve dreamed of this day. I’ve dreamed of facing the Haka, beating the All Blacks, and the Black Ferns—and we’ve done that here today. I’m so proud of everyone in our squad."

Reflecting on her tries, Wafer shared her modest approach to her role on the field. "The girls like to give me the ball a little bit, and I just put my head down and try and run through a brick wall for them," she said. "The back three were doing brilliantly on pulling their wingers out and creating a bit more space for me."

This historic win has catapulted Ireland into the spotlight, and the momentum is palpable as they prepare for their next challenges in the tournament. Ireland will face hosts Canada on Saturday, followed by a clash with the United States.

While the players savored their victory against the Black Ferns, they remain focused on the challenges ahead. "We will enjoy it. It’s not often you beat the Black Ferns," Wall said. "We’ll be sore now tomorrow. We’ll enjoy tonight and get back to work and be ready for the Canadians."

Ireland's triumph over New Zealand is not just a win; it's a statement. It speaks to their resilience, their belief, and the transformative power of leadership under Scott Bemand. As the Irish women’s rugby team continue to grow, the rest of the rugby world is beginning to take notice—Ireland is no longer just a contender; they are a force to be reckoned with.