Australia defeated Ireland 18-14 in a fiercely contested game at Ellerslie Rugby Park to claim seventh place in the IRB Women's Rugby World Cup 2006.
Although Ireland maintained possession for most of the first half, they couldn’t stop the big Australian side and lingered in their own 22 much of the time. Ireland defended the fringe very well, but the teams traded penalties until Australia found themselves in position to kick for the posts.
Alana Thomas split the uprights and put Australia on the board, 3-0. After the kick-off, Ireland threatened numerous times. Each time they made headway, however, Australia’s defence spoiled their efforts. Wing Tricia Brown eventually broke through the Irish line on the right side, evading several tackles to score near the line. Thomas’s boot was true again, slotting the difficult kick to put Australia up 10-0.
Just before half time, Ireland full back Tobie McGann placed a beautiful kick deep in the Austrlaian half. A wobbly bounce allowed Ireland to catch up to the ball, nearly scoring, but Australia held them back to end the half ahead 10-0.
Both teams came into the second half playing hard, using their forwards to keep the ball close in the rain and wind. Ireland patiently worked their way into the Australian half, crawling down the pitch until replacement hooker Jean Lonergan broke through and touched down near the left touch line. On a difficult kicking day, Grace Davitt split the uprights to put Ireland within three, 10-7.
Australia worked their way into the Ireland half again, and both teams traded penalties. Under heavy Irish pressure, Australia found an opportunity when Ireland were called for diving over the ruck. Australia went for points again, Thomas’s boot extending Australia’s lead to 13-7.
It turned into a kicking match for both teams, with well-placed kicks and counters, until Australia decided to run up the right touchline. Spreading the ball to the centre and setting up several phases, captain Selena Worsley scooped up the loose ball, swerving toward the centre to score, leaving it 18-7.
Ireland refused to give up as time ticked away. Davitt sprinted up the right side and set up nice movement through the backs. The forwards got the ball out to scrum half Tania Rosser, who found her gap and dashed into score the try. Davitt made the difficult kick, but with no time remaining Ireland couldn’t find another try. Australia came away with the win, 18-14.
Quotes
Ireland coach Phillip Doyle:
“The girls had an absolutely tremendous game. Australia are a formidable, world class side. We are delighted to put in a great performance.
“It’s an Irish day out there. We stuck in it in the first half. We dug deep, but the conditions were tough. I can’t complain. We are delighted to be eighth in this world cup. I think Ireland has put their stamp down on women’s rugby.”
Australia coach Steven Hamson
“It’s an absolute credit to the girls in how we’ve come together. For them to go out and play the way they did was inspirational to watch.
“I think the girls will learn that you have to take every chance you can to win games. We were only in the Irish 22 a few times and we capitalized on that.”
Australia captain Selena Worsley
“We are very pleased to end on a victory. This is the most enjoyable team that we’ve put together. I really wanted to finish on a high note and I think that’s what the girls deserved. We knew Ireland would be tough. It showed in the game, that they don’t stop until the final whistle blew. It was a good contest and we hung in there and came out with the win.”