Women’s Rugby World Cup: Ireland’s Edel McMahon expecting a fired up New Zealand

Women’s Rugby World Cup – Pool C: Ireland v New Zealand

Venue: Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium Date: Sunday, 7 September Kick-off: 14:45 BST

Coverage: Live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from 14:30, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra from 14:30 and BBC Radio Ulster and Foyle from 14:00; also live with text commentary on the BBC Sport website.

Ireland’s Edel McMahon feels New Zealand will “definitely” have revenge on their minds when the teams reunite in Brighton on Sunday to decide the winner of World Cup Pool C.

During last year’s WXV1 in Vancouver Ireland stunned the Black Ferns late on, with a last-gasp Erin King try and Dannah O’Brien conversion securing a 29-27 win over the world champions.

Although both sides have made a raft of changes for the match, McMahon believes Ireland have gained the “respect” of their rivals.

“I’m sure they felt from the last outing they took us for granted more than they wanted to,” said the co-captain.

“We can never control what the opposition is going to feel against us, but only control how we take the game and prepare.

“Leading into this World Cup, we’ve started to gain respect – where this Irish team is coming from, it’s not unexpected teams will take us more seriously.”

New Zealand’s last defeat in a World Cup came back in 2014 at the hands of the Irish but there has been no stopping them since, winning the subsequent tournaments in 2017 and 2021.

A third-straight triumph and seventh overall is firmly in their sights and despite the talents of Jorja Miller and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe grabbing the attention, McMahon insists Ireland’s focus is on the collective.

“It’s not about isolating any players,” said the experienced flanker.

“New Zealand deserve their respect but we deserve respect for how we have produced and performed over the last two years.

“That they are sending out a strong team gives us that respect and likewise, we’re not taking this game lightly. We haven’t spoken about individuals, but have spoken about the threats they can pose.”