Brendan O'Brien and John Fallon reflect on Ireland's hard-fought win over 10-man Armenia and look forward to the final two games of the group. 

What struck me from the outset of this trip is just how community-driven women’s rugby has become

Portugal can secure a spot at the World Cup against Ireland in the Aviva Stadium next month, while Hungary will be confident of claiming the playoff spot when they face Armenia.

However, Hungary's late equaliser in Portugal dampened Irish joy

No one was filing into the cold October night feeling giddy on the back of this 1-0 defeat of Armenia in Dublin. All the more so when news of Dominic Szoboszlai’s late equalizer for Hungary away to Portugal filtered through.

The İstanbul Başakşehir player conceded it was a hard watch for those supporters at the Aviva Stadium, and the fans at home.

Any hopes Ireland have of reaching the World Cup next summer will be dashed if they fail to win tonight.

Denis Leamy, who was a member of Paul O’Connell’s summer coaching ticket, said this week he was hopeful strong performances in the big wins over the Georgians and Portuguese would be rewarded by Farrell on Wednesday.

Ireland know only a win against the Armenians tonight at the Aviva Stadium will be good enough to keep their slim hopes of reaching the finals alive.

The evolution of the Springbok attack under former All Black out-half Tony Brown has added a new dimension to Rassie Erasmus’s side.

Cape Verde’s 3-0 victory over Eswatini on Monday ensured they finished top of their African zone group, becoming the second smallest country in tournament history to qualify after Iceland.

"Football has been my life for over 25 years. It has given me so many amazing opportunities, allowed me to travel the world and to meet some of the best people. It has helped me to become the person I am today."

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Wales were leading through Joe Rodon’s header when Ethan Ampadu was punished for handling Charles De Ketelaere’s 17th-minute shot.

Woltemade netted the winner as a below-par Germany side left Windsor Park with three points that keep them top of Group A.

Cape Verde accumulated 23 points in their first successful World Cup campaign, winning seven, drawing two and losing one of their 10 qualifiers.

With Munster unbeaten and Leinster welcoming back their Lions, Denis Leamy insists his side must meet the Croke Park challenge “head-on” to prove their progress.

The Jacques Léglise and Junior Vagliano take place at The Island between 21 and 22 August.

"If we can all give each other that bit of fire we have inside us, it creates a team fire, you could say," said Nathan Collins. "e need that against Armenia."

Ireland’s heartbreaking defeat in Lisbon was oh so familiar, another gallant performance showing promise but ending in pain. They now need to break the cycle of generating hope only for it to dissipate in the next game