Tom Tierney: Ireland can bounce back and finish on a high note

Ireland Women 7 Canada Women 48: Ireland head coach Tom Tierney hailed Canada as the one of the favourites for the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup after his side slumped to a 48-7 defeat to the Canucks at the UCD Bowl on Saturday.

Francois Ratier’s impressive outfit ran in seven tries in this one-sided November Test but Tierney is aware of Ireland’s need to test themselves against quality opposition.

Tierney said: “It was a very tough day at the office, but at the same time, that’s exactly the type of test we were looking for. Canada are very, very good. They are absolutely going to be one of the favourites in the World Cup in nine months time. It’s great to actually have a taste of exactly what it’s all about at that level, instead of finding out at the wrong time — in the World Cup.”