Breaking Ireland stun world champions New Zealand in WXV1

Ireland Women 29-27 New Zealand Women

Ireland's women produced an upset as they stunned world champions New Zealand 29-27 in their opening WXV1 clash in Vancouver.

Replacement Erin King grabbed her second try to level the scores in the last minute, outside-half Dannah O’Brien holding her nerve to land the decisive conversion via the upright.

New Zealand, who face defending champions England on Sunday, had the bulk of possession throughout the game and had three tries ruled out by the TMO, but Ireland stood firm and seized their chances to run in five tries.

"I'm lost for words, that was unbelievable," said captain Edel McMahon.

"The girls [got] stuck in right from the get-go and that went to the wire.

"We had belief in each other and ourselves, it was absolutely amazing...it was unreal."

Hooker Atlanta Lolohea got New Zealand off to a fast start, grabbing the opening score after nine minutes.

Renee Holmes added the conversion and was on target again with a penalty after Ireland flanker Aoife Wafer had gone over for the first of her two tries.

Aoife Wafer is taking this match by storm ⛈️

The 21 year-old has scored two tries against the reigning World Champions, New Zealand