Australian try blitz too much for Ireland at Women's Rugby World Cup

Ireland's hopes of contesting the fifth place play-off at the Women's Rugby World Cup have been ended.

Australian try blitz too much for Ireland at Women's Rugby World Cup

Ireland's hopes of contesting the fifth place play-off at the Women's Rugby World Cup have been ended by a 36-24 defeat to Australia in Belfast.

The game was in the balance with the scores tied at 12-12 after 34 minutes.

But Australia powered away with 24 unanswered points either side of half-time.

Australia struck first through captain Sharni Williams' eighth-minute try, but Ireland were ahead when Ailis Egan pounced from a rolling maul and Nora Stapleton converted.

Wing Alison Miller extended Ireland's lead after jinking through the Wallaroos' defence.

It was a level game when Sarah Riordan burst off the back of a scrum and Ashleigh Hewson converted.

Ireland’s Alison Miller is tackled. Pic: INPHO/Billy Stickland
Ireland’s Alison Miller is tackled. Pic: INPHO/Billy Stickland

Australia did not look back after that as prop Hilisha Samoa, flanker Millie Boyle try and wing Mahalia Murphy ran in tries and Hewson added three conversions and a penalty for an 11-point haul.

Ireland finished strongly when Sophie Spence and Paula Fitzpatrick claimed consolation tries in the final six minutes.

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