G’wan the lads, and g’wan the ladies!
Ireland pitched into World Cup battle against France at the UCD Bowl in a winner-takes-a-semi-final-spot battle that had so, so many gripped.
Tom Tierney’s side could secure a last four place, up at Belfast’s Kingspan Stadium, by defeating a potent French side. Having already dismantled Japan and Australia, France were out to do some more damage.
Captain Claire Molloy had the Irish side primed, though:
There was a sell-out crowd at UCD and, sitting alongside fellow fans and nail-gnawers, were Iris rugby luminaries such as Brian O’Driscoll, Sean O’Brien, Joe Schmidt and Ireland scrum coach Greg Feek.
#COYGIG pic.twitter.com/UIIIgdjF6G
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) August 17, 2017
There's BOD out to enjoy the game tonight – hopefully it is one to be enjoyed pic.twitter.com/d8hgGj23xb
— Daniel Pitcher (@DanPitchside) August 17, 2017
Minister for Sport Shane Ross was also in-situ, as was injured Ireland star Niamh Briggs. Ruled out a week before the tournament started, Briggs was nothing but class as she spent much of the countdown to the match posing for pictures with Irish fans and signing autographs.
https://twitter.com/EmmaThurston23/status/898254318242889728
An Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald was also there to cheer on the girls in green.
For all the good will and support that was on show, France are a serious, serious outfit.
Ireland got into their 22 on a few occasions but, midway through the tie, had nothing to show for it. Their opponents were ruthless and, inspired by centre, Caroline Ladagnous, they raced into a 21-0 lead.
