Ireland's final pool game finishes in controversial draw at Dubai Sevens

Ireland may feel hard done by following their final pool match against Fiji which ended 17-all in controversial circumstances at the Dubai Sevens. 

With a woman in the sin-bin, Fiji were defending their 17-12 lead late on. They couldn’t hold Ireland out as they crossed for a try through Aoife Doyle, who drew the scores level.

Captain Lucy Mulhall thought she had rescued the game from defeat but was adjudged to have taken the conversion from the wrong spot. The Wicklow woman then missed the subsequent re-take, rounding off a winless day for Anthony Eddy’s charges.

Ireland will hope to salvage some silverware as they face the USA in the semi-final of the Challenge Trophy at 8.14am tomorrow.

The Pacific Islanders took the lead through an unconverted brace from Miriam Naiobasali before Amee Leigh Murphy Crowe hit back with her third try of the day; Mulhall’s added two points, making it 10 – 7 at the break.

TheFijianss added a further seven points before Nicole Cronin responded with a try of her own to set up a dramatic finish.

#IreW7s draw 17-17 with Fiji in a physical game to end Day 1 of the #Dubai7s. @ameeleigh95, Nicole Cronin and Aoife Doyle with Ire's tries pic.twitter.com/CvITjw4bRd

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) December 1, 2016

Ireland had started what proved to be a difficult campaign against a lively New Zealand outfit earlier today.

The Black Fearns raced into a 17-0 half-time lead before Shakira Baker inflicted more pain on resumption with a try, but Murphy Crowe hit back with a try for Ireland- their only of the game.

And the Clanwilliam clubwomen was back again in the second game against France, as she notched a try for Ireland following a first half score from Stacey Flood. France, however, saw out the game and won on a scoreline of 24-14.

The second women’s team in action in the UAE today were a development side, and they suffered an early loss to an experienced Belgium squad before bouncing back with a 22 – 12 win over Poland in the Women’s Invitational.

Ireland will also compete in the Men’s Invitational tournament tomorrow.