New Zealand Whitewash Ireland 40-0 at Women’s Rugby World Cup

New Zealand's Black Ferns delivered a dominant 40-0 victory over Ireland in their final Pool C match at the Women's Rugby World Cup, securing top spot and a quarter-final matchup against South Africa. Teenage sensation Braxton Sorensen-McGee starred with a hat-trick of tries, showcasing her speed and skill and making a strong statement after last year's shock loss to Ireland. Despite a promising start and prior wins over Japan and Spain, Ireland struggled to break through New Zealand's formidable defense, with injuries to key players Stacey Flood and Eve Higgins compounding their challenges. Both teams had already qualified for the quarter-finals, with Ireland set to face France next, though concerns remain about player fitness. New Zealand coach Allan Bunting praised his team's defensive resilience and overall performance, emphasizing the physicality required to progress further in the tournament. The match underscored New Zealand's intent to reclaim the title while highlighting Ireland's need to overcome injuries and tactical hurdles in their upcoming fixtures.