SIX MONTHS HAVE passed, but it’s a defeat that will still cause frustration, annoyance and possibly even anger for those involved.
A first-ever World Cup semi-final for Ireland Women last August was quite the achievement, but to be beaten so comprehensively by England in that knock-out fixture was a major disappointment.
The 40-7 scoreline simply didn’t reflect the Irish achievements up to that point, including a famous win over New Zealand in the pool stages. Philip Doyle’s side were better than they showed that day at Stade Jean Bouin.
There is a first chance to right some of the wrongs this Friday as the English visit Ashbourne RFC [KO 19.30] in round three of the Six Nations, even if some of the faces involved have changed.
The likes of captain Fiona Coghlan and centres Grace Davitt and Lynne Cantwell have retired, while Tom Tierney heads the new coaching team, but the bulk of the group remains in place.
Old Belvedere’s Jenny Murphy was used off the bench in that World Cup semi-final defeat but is almost certain to start in the centre this time around. While she stresses that she hasn’t dwelt on the result, there is certain motivation in the memory.
They were absolutely fantastic in the World Cup game and we just didn’t play well,” says Murphy.
“We let the game run away and normally if we come into half time and we’re down by a few points, that’s a position that we’re comfortable being in because we know we’re able to come back from it.
“Certain things didn’t click that day. It was the first time I was in a dressing room like that. It was quiet and it’s never going to happen again. We’ve already drawn a line under that performance.
“It’ll motivate a lot of the girls and it’s nice to have a chance to get some revenge after a World Cup semi-final where we were hockeyed. It’s not pleasant. It’s brilliant that we got to the top four but we don’t look at it like that. We want to push on.
“I’m looking forward to trying to gun them down and righting a wrong, definitely.”
Ireland’s most recent fixture saw them beaten 10-5 at Ashbourne by France, meaning there is further motivation in restoring their home record.
It was another frustrating game for Murphy and her teammates after an opening weekend win over Italy, particularly given that they ended the game camped in the French half.
The crucial winning score never came, and Murphy admits the visitors earned their success.
“I think France did very well, they’re an extremely physical team and they’re always really enjoyable to play against. For the most part, there’s only ever a score or two between us, however I think we lost the game rather than France winning it.”
“We had chances and we just didn’t take them. To be fair, they took theirs when they were given to them. I think in international rugby, you get one or two chances to score and we didn’t take those chances so maybe in hindsight, France deserved their win.”
