News article – Style E 6242

Ireland wrapped up their campaign at the IRB Women’s World Cup with an 18-14 defeat to Australia. Click here for quotes from coach Philip Doyle.

…Irish coach Philip Doyle…

Ireland wrapped up their campaign at the IRB Women’s World Cup with an 18-14 defeat to Australia. The girls in green finished eighth overall at the tournament in Edmonton.

– QUOTES FROM PHILIP DOYLE –

ON THE AUSTRALIAN GAME:

“We’re very disappointed but I must say the girls had an absolutely tremendous game. Australia are a formidable team and they have been all tournament. They haven’t played for a while but they really are a world class side, and we’re delighted to put in a very good performance (against them). So we’re disappointed but very proud of the girls.”

ON THE MATCH CONDITIONS:

“With the wet and windy conditions, you’d have to say it was an Irish day out there. We stuck in it when we were against the wind in the first half and an Irish team loves that – wind in their faces. We can dig deep and did.

“We let them in for a soft try in the first half but conditions were tough, very tough but I can’t complain. That’s what we get back home.”

ON LOSS OF CONCENTRATION:

“Our concentration midway through the second half is hurting us. We were putting pressure on, we let them out of their half and gave away a silly penalty which really killed us. It’s a little problem we have but we’ll rectify that in time.”

ON FINISHING EIGHTH:

“Delighted – thirteenth last World Cup, eighth this one. We got into the middle group (5th-8th) which was our goal. I would have loved seventh and we nearly did it. I think Ireland have put their stamp down on Women’s rugby. We’re where we should be. Maybe in four years’ time – a bit stronger, a bit fitter – we could push up a couple more places.”

ON IRELAND’S LEARNING CURVE:

“Very good experience, it was absolutely brilliant for the girls. They have learned an awful lot. They know where they have to go and that’s the most important thing.”