English Woman's Journal - Ireland on verge of Women's Rugby World Cup quarter-finals after seeing off stubborn Spain

The bonus-point victory left Ireland with a maximum 10 points from their opening two Pool C games.

Victory for New Zealand over Japan in Sunday's other Pool C clash will see both the world champions and Ireland into the knockout phase ahead of their Brighton showdown next weekend -- with the Irish looking to back-up their shock defeat of the Black Ferns at last year's WXV tournament.

Ireland, who did not qualify for the last World Cup in New Zealand three years ago, ran in seven tries against Spain but also conceded five to their spirited opponents at Northampton's Franklin's Gardens.

But, following their opening 42-14 win over Japan, the Irish eventually proved too strong for a resilient Spanish side with No.8 Grace Moore and wing Anna McGann scoring two tries apiece.

Dannah O'Brien got on the end of her own garryowen to open the scoring and Ireland increased their lead when wing Amee-Leigh Costigan finished in the left corner.

But Spain, with a pack led by powerful tighthead prop Eider Garcia, hit back through tries from wing Claudia Perez and hooker Marieta Roman.

Spanish mistakes in defence, however, paved the way for Eve Higgins to go over for Ireland before McGann scored her second try.

Spain started the second half with a fine try from Claudia Pena but more defensive frailty allowed Moore to score two tries of her own.

Lourdes Alameda pulled a try back for Spain before McGann replied with her second of the match.

Spain had the last word when Cristina Blanco went over from close range for a try off a neat line-out play but by that stage Ireland had already put the result beyond doubt.

Sunday's other World Cup matches are taking place in Pool D, where wins for South Africa and France over Italy and Brazil respectively would see both the Springboks and Les Bleus into the last eight.

N.M.Shaw--EWJ