Bemand rues 'naivety' but proud of Ireland effort against hosts

Despite a competitive performance, Ireland were defeated by Canada after beating world champions New Zealand in their opening game.

Aoife Wafer of Ireland is tackled by Caroline Crossley and Justine Pelletier of Canada. Pic: Rich Lam / World Rugby via Sportsfile

WXV1: Canada 21 Ireland 8

It's a sign of Ireland's progress that the prevailing mood is disappointment following defeat by world number 2 Canada at WXV1, argues head coach Scott Bemand.

Following the surprise opening day win over New Zealand, Ireland were once again hugely competitive against the hosts.

But Canada, who overcame France first day out, managed a 21-3 half-time lead thanks to a penalty try and scores from Claire Gallagher and Julia Omokbuale. Ireland's Eimear Considine scored the only try in the second half.

"It shows where we are and where we’ve got to that we’re disappointed with the result,"Bemand told RTÉ Sport.

"The performance, there’s a bunch of stuff that’s gone on in that game that could have rocked any team. To be right in the game deep into the first half...

"There was a bit of naivety where we copped two seven-pointers late in the first half but then we regroup and win the second half five-nil.

"We’re sitting here disappointed that we didn’t execute more chances, that we didn’t execute when we got into their 22.

"We think we’ve left some points out there. I’m immensely proud of the girls. We came here and said we want to leave respected; I think we’ve come some way to earning a bit more of that respect."

Back row Aoife Wafer once more impressed before she was withdrawn late on for Deirbhile Nic a Bháird, returning from a knee injury.

"If you look at Aoife’s output over games, this is still a three-game comp and we need to be a bit mindful, she’s fine and she’s come off in pretty good health," said Bemand.

"We got Deirbh on, we wanted to give her some rugby after a long absence with injury.

"I was delighted to see her, she makes a break off the back of the scrum, we win a penalty, we’re asking the questions in their 22."

Ireland's third game in the competition is on Friday against the USA.