Unless you have been living under a very substantial rock for the last week, you will know that Ireland have reached the last four of the women’s rugby World Cup.
Ireland ramped the competition right into fifth gear when they stunned New Zealand with a 17-14 victory last week, topping the group and sending the Black Ferns for an early shower in this year’s World Cup.
Ireland will face old rivals England in the semi-final today in what is sure to be a heated and passionate affair for two sides who know each other inside out at this stage, having faced each other consistently in the Six Nations since its foundation.
We, along with the rest of the country, will be cheering on our ladies as they aim to advance to the final on Sunday in Paris. England will be a stern test for this improving Irish side and JOE has taken a look at how this tournament has panned out for the ladies across the water.
How the tournament has gone for them so far: Two wins and a draw from three games is not bad going for the team in white, but they will be disappointed with their draw against Canada last time out. England would have come into this tournament expecting to romp to victory in all of those games and a 13-13 draw against the Canadians may have dented their confidence somewhat.
However, they are a dangerous animal and they will have much to prove to both themselves and the public when they run out onto the field today. They have won the Six Nations six times over the last nine years so you know that this is a quality side that know how to win games. Ireland will need to produce a similar performance to the one against New Zealand if they are to progress to the final two of the competition.
Ireland face down the haka before their win over New Zealand
Players to look for: Sarah Hunter has been in magnificent form for England in this tournament, scoring a try in their last game and impressing throughout. The number eight is a good ball carrier and she also acts as a good link between the forwards and the backs. Ireland will need to nullify her influence on the game as much as possible if they are to come out on top in the tie. Low and early tackles are essential, while it is important that the Irish back-row are aware of her dynamism from the back of the scrum.
Outside centre Emily Scarratt (above) is vital player for this English side. Not only does she take the place kicks, she also marshals a very stingy defence out the backs and wider channels. She has been one of England’s standout players so far and Ireland will have to be disciplined in defence so she does not get any kickable opportunities. They will also need to be wary of her pace and power in attack as she is sure to be probing gaps between Ireland’s Lynne Cantwell and Grace Davitt in the Irish midfield.
Expectations: With the Black Ferns exiting at the hands of the Irish, England will fancy their chances of continuing on to win the tournament. However, our team will have something to say about that and the game is likely to be a tightly contested affair with only one score separating the two sides.
England will expect a win in Wednesday’s match up but as an Irish website we feel bound to say that we will be victorious against our old rivals come the final whistle. It should be a cracker.
Ireland v England is live on TG4 at 5:00pm today
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