Oct 14,2024
Ireland have finished their WXV1 campaign in second place, after England took the title with a 21-12 win over Canada, while New Zealand beat France 39-15.
Scott Bemand's Ireland won two out of three in Canada, with a statement victory over New Zealand and Friday night's win over the United States sandwiching a 21-8 defeat to the hosts last weekend.
The tier one second-place finish rounds off a year of progression for Ireland, in which they bounced back from being the 2023 Six Nations wooden spoon side to finishing third in this year's edition, sealing qualification for the 2025 World Cup and their place in WXV1.
This time last year, Ireland were winning the third-tier WXV3 competition but have now finished 11 places further up the ladder.
On Saturday night, Canada put the England under intense pressure, but the defending champions fought back, extending their winning run to 20 matches with a nine-point victory.
Canada dominated early with a penalty in the opening minutes of the game, but England quickly responded.
Zoe Aldcroft, Sarah Bern and Maud Muir put England on the scoreboard with a try each, while Helen Rowland booted three conversions.
Canada took a lead midway through the second term with a penalty conversion but could not keep momentum.
England faced an additional challenge in the second half when full-back Ellie Kildunne was yellow-carded, leaving them a player down.
After a defensive battle between the two sides, Bern retook the lead for England after breaking a Canadian tackle on the try line. A late try from Aldcroft secured the win.
England have not lost a game since the dramatic 2022 World Cup final loss to New Zealand.
