LAST UPDATE | 10 Sep 2022
AN OUTSTANDING QUARTER-final performance saw Ireland defeat South Africa 24-14 in the Rugby World Cup Sevens quarter-final.
A first-half try from Mark Roche put Ireland on their way. Against the run of play, South Africa scored before the break to give the home crowd something to cheer.
However, Harry McNulty, who was a huge presence at the line-out, restored their lead with a pick and go. Jordan Conroy then capitalised on a handling error as he scooped the ball from the ground and raced away. He scored again in the final minute to stun the hosts.
“It is pretty cool to you are in a World Cup semi-final now,” said Billy Dardis post-match.
“We said we want to come out here and kill the party. It is some atmosphere. I think they would have lived on that if they got momentum in the first half but we did well to get that first try and keep the pressure on.
“New Zealand are the only team we haven’t beaten on the World Series. We have been pretty close the last year or two. This is massive. A World Cup semi-final against New Zealand. It is going to be class. We are going to be fired up.”
Ireland’s semi-final against New Zealand kicks off at 11:35am on Sunday.
Earlier today, Ireland’s women’s team fell to a 28-0 loss against New Zealand in their quarter-final.
The defending champions were rarely troubled during the game and dictated the pace from the start. An opening-minute try helped the Black Ferns to a 7-0 lead at half-time.
A field-length sprint from Portia Woodman doubled their advantage. Alena Saili and Shiray Kaka added some gloss to the scoreboard before the final whistle.
That’s one way to bring up your 20th #RWC7s try 🙌@PortiaWoodman skips past the Irish defence and cruises to the try line #RWC7s | #HereToSevens | @nz_sevens pic.twitter.com/F6L5CwIwtz
— Rugby World Cup 7s 2022 (@WorldRugby7s) September 10, 2022
Aiden McNulty’s side are now set for the 5/8 place play-offs where they will take on the Fiji at 9.40am on Sunday.
Waterford seem to always be able to get over the line with Galway .
@Finnster: except when it mattered 3 years ago
@eoin carroll: there was that one time alright ; )
@Finnster: have we ever won In Waterford
Very very worrying for Galway. Serious lack of fight and passion. Another 20 years I’m afraid.
@Ray Ridge:
@Ray Ridge: You know the hurlers are struggling when the footballers score more than them.
@Mike Keane: The signs are not good Mike.
@Ray Ridge: give it a rest Ray , it’s only the League
@Finnster: only the league this year and only the league and championship last year. As I said the signs are very worrying.
@Ray Ridge: yes and what overachieving team do you support Ray ?
canning means everything
I like to see my team fulfil it’s potential…….so forgive me for not being happy with the performances over the last 18 months.
@Ray Ridge: Galway have only been beaten in championship by Limerick and Dublin since their loss to Tipp in the 2016 AI semi final . That’s not bad going, they have plenty of good players but some of them just not showing their potential.
@Ray Ridge: you were fairly harsh on the footballers earlier today too. We don’t all have to be cheerleaders but a bit of patience wouldn’t hurt!
@Freddie Rincon: After 19 years my patience is running out!!