Ireland already in must-win territory

Fifth in the world against sixth. It looks tight on paper, and maybe it will be, but only one side is likely to escape Pool C of this 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup, so this is a game that the hosts simply have to win.

They ought to, in fairness.

The Wallaroos have played just five Tests since finishing seventh at the last tournament in France, in 2014, their decision to concentrate on the sevens game vindicated in some style in Brazil last year when pipping New Zealand to the gold medal.