Briggs On Form In World Cup Opener

Munster full-back Niamh Briggs contributed 18 points to Ireland’s 23-17 win over the USA today in their Pool ‘B’ World Cup opener.

Two penalties off the boot of Briggs and a converted try from the American backrow Lynelle Kugler put the Americans 7-6 in front before Ireland prop Ailis Egan got over the line on the 30th minute.

On form Briggs had no problem adding the extras giving Ireland a 13-7 lead before USA out-half Kimber Rozier struck a penalty to close the gap.

It wasn’t until the stroke of half time that Briggs added to Ireland’s advantage touching down off the back of a ruck and duly converting giving the girls in green a 20-10 lead going into the break.

Barely a minute had elapsed in the second half when American lock Farmer muscled over from a couple of metres out. Rozier added the extras for 20-17.

There was little between the teams in a tight third quarter. Crucially though, centre Jenny Murphy made a terrific impact off the bench with two forceful runs – the second seeing her link well with Tania Rosser off another muscular maul from the pack.

The same attack led to USA replacement Shaina Turley picking up a yellow card close to her try-line and Briggs mopped up with a well-struck penalty right on the hour mark.

Briggs slid a drop goal attempt wide as Ireland tried to move clear by more than a converted try, entering the closing stages.

Their greater experience showed as they continued to control territory and a hard-won victory was theirs, albeit with Briggs missing a last-gasp penalty which would have denied the US their losing bonus point.

Next up for captain Fiona Coghlan and her team-mates is a fascinating first ever clash with New Zealand on Tuesday. The Black Ferns, who are the defending champions, overwhelmed Kazakhstan 79-5 earlier today.

This game will be televised live on TG4 and Sky or you can follow all Women's Rugby World Cup updates on #WRWC2014

To tweet your message of support for the Ireland Women you can use the hashtag #shouldertoshoulder

TIME LINE: 3 minutes – Ireland penalty: Niamh Briggs – 3-0; 6 mins – USA try: Lynelle Kugler – 3-5; conversion: Kimberly Rozier – 3-7; 11 mins – Ireland penalty: Niamh Briggs – 6-7; 29 mins – USA yellow card: Sarah Walsh; 30 mins – Ireland try: Ailis Egan – 11-7; conversion: Niamh Briggs – 13-7; 35 mins – Ireland yellow card: Claire Molloy; 36 mins – USA penalty: Kimberly Rozier – 13-10; 39 mins – Ireland try: Niamh Briggs – 18-10; conversion: Niamh Briggs – 20-10; Half-time – Ireland 20 USA 10; 42 mins – USA try: Carmen Farmer – 20-15; conversion: Kimberly Rozier – 20-17; 59 mins – USA yellow card: Shaina Turley; 60 mins – Ireland penalty: Niamh Briggs – 23-17; 80 mins – Ireland penalty: missed by Niamh Briggs – 23-17; Full-time – Ireland 23 USA 17

Referee: Sherry Trumbull (Canada)

The Ireland Women line up for the national anthem in France.

Tuesday, August 5
New Zealand v IRELAND, Marcoussis pitch 1, 6pm local time/5pm Irish time
Saturday, August 9
IRELAND v Kazakhstan, Marcoussis pitch 2, 1pm local time/12pm Irish time