Ireland Book World Cup Place With Hard-Fought Belfast Win

In the end it came down to just three points as Dannah O’Brien’s 73rd-minute penalty gave Ireland a 15-12 win over Scotland. The result secured third place in the Championship and qualification for next year’s Rugby World Cup.

Scotland led 5-0 after a messy first half that saw handling errors from both teams in wet conditions at Kingspan Stadium. A more cohesive second period from Ireland kicked off with an encouraging early try from Katie Corrigan.

Scotland hit back through Lisa Thomson to lead 12-5, but Ireland struck again when replacement Cliodhna Moloney crashed over from a powerful 58th-minute lineout maul.

Scott Bemand’s charges held firm in defence despite a late yellow card to Béibhinn Parsons, and impressive replacement Niamh O’Dowd snapped up turnover ball to seal a memorable victory.