Ireland secure historic 29-27 win over Black Ferns in WXV1 opener

Ireland 29-27 New Zealand, Vancouver

Ireland delivered a stunning performance to clinch a dramatic 29-27 victory over the world champion Black Ferns in the WXV 1 opener held in Vancouver.

The nail-biting encounter saw Ireland score a crucial try and conversion in the final minute, overturning a five-point deficit to register an unforgettable win.

Ireland’s Strong Comeback Stuns the Black Ferns

New Zealand initially took control with an early try from Atlanta Lolohea, going up 7-0. However, Ireland quickly responded through Aoife Wafer’s powerful run after a penalty tap, closing the gap to 7-5. Renee Holmes extended the Black Ferns' lead to 10-5 with a successful penalty, but Wafer’s second try of the match and a subsequent conversion gave Ireland a 12-10 lead, which they soon extended to 17-10 with a try from hooker Neve Jones.

Late Drama Ensures Historic Win for Ireland

The Black Ferns fought back just before halftime, leveling the scores at 17-17 through Katelyn Vahaakolo’s try and a Holmes conversion. Despite New Zealand’s dominance in the second half, disallowed tries and missed opportunities kept them from pulling ahead. A penalty from Holmes gave the Black Ferns a 20-17 lead, but Ireland struck back with Erin King’s try to regain a 22-20 advantage.

Although Mererangi Paul’s try and Bremner’s conversion restored New Zealand’s lead at 27-22, Ireland’s late surge paid off. Erin King crossed the line again in the dying moments, and Dannah O’Brien’s composed conversion sealed a historic 29-27 victory for the Irish, marking their first win over the Black Ferns in WXV history.