Despite suffering a heavy defeat to Six Nations holders England at Castle Park, Doncaster, captain Ciara Griffin insists the Ireland women’s team are closing the gap to the Red Roses.

England coach Simon Middleton insists a prime-time TV slot will not ramp up the pressure on his players as they face off against New Zealand in the World Cup final today.

Ireland claimed third spot on the Women’s Six Nations table despite a final day loss to England at Esher RFC.

IRELAND’S hopes of causing an upset in the Women’s World Cup evaporated in Surrey last night, as England gradually ground them down before recording a bonus-point win.