Ciara Griffin: Defensive steel and aerial edge key in Ireland's high-stakes pool decider against New Zealand

Ireland must ensure their defensive systems off set-pieces are far tighter on Sunday than they were against Spain. Scrum defence will demand equal precision

AERIAL EDGE: Grace Moore, Ivana Kiripati and Linda Djougang during a day off in Brighton. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady.

IRELAND bounce into Sunday's World Cup clash with New Zealand knowing their quarter-final place is already secure, but this one carries far more heft than the notion of a dead rubber. Victory means topping Pool C and setting up a showdown with South Africa, the surprise package of the tournament after reaching their first ever World Cup quarter-final. 

Slip to second, however, and France await – bolstered by the return of Pauline Bourdon Sansus, whose creativity has reignited their attacking spark after a sluggish start. For Ireland, it’s the perfect chance to test themselves against a world champion contender. For New Zealand, it’s about righting the wrongs of their shock WXV1 defeat last October. With both sides hunting momentum, Brighton is primed for a fierce battle. Bragging rights, confidence, and the smoother quarter-final path are all on the line – this one promises fireworks.