Heartbreak as eager Ireland falter late on

A converted 74th-minute Izzy Noel-Smith proved the crucial score as world champions England snatched victory from their Irish hosts in this entertaining November Series International at UCD Bowl yesterday.

Ten points from Nora Stapleton had Ireland in the driving seat but all that good work was undone when Katy Mclean slotted the extras after Noel-Smith’s impressive finish.

Irish out-half Stapleton expressed disappointment at the result but insisted the side had learned valuable lessons in defeat.