Tuesday 5 August 2014 20:08, UK
Ireland beat New Zealand for the first time in a 15-a-side international match with a shock 17-14 victory at the Women's World Cup in Marcoussis.
It was only a second defeat in Women's World Cup history for the Black Ferns - the four-time defending champions.
Ireland's men's side have never beaten New Zealand.
The Black Ferns began reasonably well and led 8-0 courtesy of a Kelly Brazier penalty and Selica Winiata's try but Heather O'Brien's score, which was then converted by Niamh Briggs, cut the deficit to just one point at the break.
Brazier's second penalty extended New Zealand's lead but when Alison Miller went over with Briggs again adding the extras, it was the Irish who led by three.
Another Brazier penalty levelled the scores but Briggs slotted one of her own with 10 minutes remaining and Ireland held on for a famous victory.
The defeat means New Zealand face a tough task to reach the semi-finals.
The Kiwis have six points and play their final pool B match against the United States, who also have six points, on Saturday, while the Irish, who top the pool with eight points, take on Kazakhstan.
Only the three pool winners plus the best runner-up progress to the semi-finals.
Earlier, Wales' World Cup semi-final hopes were ended by a 25-3 defeat against Australia.
Wales, emphatically beaten by hosts France in their opening game, were no match for a powerful Australian side.
Sharni Williams and Tricia Brown scored tries as Australia built a 17-0 interval lead, and Brown then added a second touchdown, with Wales replying through a solitary Robyn Wilkins penalty.
Wales wind up their campaign against South Africa next Saturday, while Australia face a group decider against France.
