Rugby

Ireland women to meet New Zealand after seeing off England

Sevens World Cup: Jimmy O’Brien’s last-gasp try secures win for men against Chile

Ireland players celebrate at the end of their Rugby World Cup Sevens win over England at AT&T Park in San Francisco. Photograph: Billy Stickland/Inpho

Sat Jul 21 2018 - 00:52

Ireland 19 England 14

Ireland will play New Zealand in quarter-finals of the women’s World Cup Sevens after securing a brilliant 19-14 victory over England in their opening game in San Francisco on Friday night.

Ireland went ahead with a try from Ashleigh Baxter before England recovered to score through Emily Scarratt down the right flank.

Following a successful conversion, England took a 7-5 lead into half-time.

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However, it was Ireland who stepped things up following the restart, as Amee-Leigh Murphy-Crowe ran in two tries within the space of as many minutes to move her side 19-7 ahead.

Brown helped England rally late on with a quick ball recycled and Alex Matthews was picked out in space to cross over.

England were able to reduce the deficit to five points following another successful conversion, but – with less than a minute left – Ireland saw out the victory.

Ireland will progress to a quarter-final against New Zealand, England must now regroup to tackle Mexico, who are making their debut in the World Cup Sevens competition.

The Ireland men's side secured a last-play victory over Chile when Jimmy O'Brien scored to secure a 17-12 win and a round of 16 meeting with South Africa.

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