In pics: Ireland Women claim hard-fought win over USA

Featuring leprechauns, hardcore fans and the rampaging Jenny Murphy.

IRELAND GOT OFF to a winning start in the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup in France with today’s 23 – 17 victory over the US Eagles.

Here’s how it looked through the lens of the brilliant Dan Sheridan.

Sophie Spence gets in the zone pre-match

Sophie Spence before the game

Heather O’Brien, strapped

Heather O'Brien before the game

Fiona Coghlan is definitely mid F-bomb in this speech

Fiona Coghlan talks to her team before the game

The hardcore fans on the hill in Marcoussis

Ireland fans at the game

The two teams take to the field before the game

Lucky charms

Seamus the team mascot is kept with Ashleigh Baxter

Openside Claire Molloy tries to make the hard yards

Claire Molloy tackled by Emilie Bydwell and Sarah Walsh

Spence gets over the gainline

Sophie Spence tackled by Jocelyn Tseng

Niamh Briggs lands one of five kicks at goal

Niamh Briggs kicks a penalty

The team celebrate Ailis Egan’s try

Ailis Egan celebrates scoring a try with teammates

The irrepressible Lynne Cantwell

Lynne Cantwell tackled by Lynelle Kugler

Briggs helped Ireland to a 10-point lead at the break with this score

Niamh Briggs scores a try

Jenny Murphy enters BEAST MODE

Jenny Murphy hands off Akalaini Bui Baravilala Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

No stopping @jennymurphy045 today: http://t.co/iCD74KcvaJ pic.twitter.com/DqtpGDR3vt
— The42.ie Rugby (@rugby_ie) August 1, 2014

TheScore.ie Rugby / Twitter

Coghlan and and Stapleton welcome victory

Nora Stapleton and Fiona Coghlan celebrate after the game Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

How does it feel, Sophie?

Clearly, Ireland are wasting no time in getting the recovery started. They face New Zealand (winners of the last four World Cups) on Tuesday.

Sophie Spence celebrates after the game Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO