New Zealand beat Ireland 40–0 to top Pool C in dominant fashion
Renee Holmes of New Zealand runs with the ball to go on and score a try which is later disallowed following a TMO review
©Renee Holmes of New Zealand runs with the ball to go on and score a try which is later disallowed following a TMO review
New Zealand delivered a ruthless performance to blank Ireland 40–0 in their final Pool C fixture at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in Brighton.
The reigning champions were in control from the opening whistle, scoring six tries and keeping Ireland scoreless in a match that underlined their title credentials.
The opening stages saw both sides test each other physically, but it was the Black Ferns who struck first. In the 15th minute, Stacey Waaka finished off a smooth backline move to cross in the corner. Renee Holmes added the conversion from a tight angle to make it 7–0.
The pressure didn’t ease for Ireland as just five minutes later, New Zealand’s front row got in on the action, with prop Chryss Viliko powering over from short range. Though the conversion attempt was unsuccessful, the Black Ferns extended their lead to 12–0.
Ireland’s attempts to gain territory were met with fierce resistance from New Zealand’s defensive line. The Ferns dominated possession and field position, and just before half-time, they capitalised again.
Braxton Sorensen-McGee, the 18-year-old winger making waves in this tournament, broke through two defenders to score her first try of the evening. Holmes followed with the conversion as New Zealand headed into the break leading 19–0 with complete command of the game.
The second half followed the same script. In the 58th minute, Sorensen-McGee showed her electric pace again to sprint past Ireland’s edge defense for her second try. She wasn’t done yet.
As the clock neared full time, the teenager completed her hat-trick with a scything run down the right flank, beating exhausted Irish defenders to cap off an outstanding individual display.
Straight off the restart, New Zealand struck one final time. A seamless transition from kick-off to attack saw the ball move swiftly through hands before Maia Joseph dotted down for the sixth try.
Renee Holmes, consistent with the boot, finished with five conversions from six attempts, rounding out the score at 40–0.
With this emphatic victory, New Zealand topped Pool C unbeaten, while Ireland—despite the loss—secured a quarter-final spot by virtue of earlier wins in the group.
