Ireland captain Enya Breen
Ireland centre Enya Breen says the squad are ‘excited’ for another crack at New Zealand after the teams were drawn together in the pool stages of next year’s Rugby World Cup.
After beating New Zealand in a thriller at WXV1 in Canada earlier this month Ireland were put in pot two of the draw and as if by faith, they were drawn against the reigning world champions.
“After the last few weeks we’ve shown we’re well able to compete with the best, and we had a good result against them two weeks ago, but we’re massively excited to have a chance to compete against them again.”
Ireland are the only team to have beaten New Zealand in the pool stage of a Women’s Rugby World Cup. In 2014, they defeated the Black Ferns 17-14 to qualify for the semi-finals.
Ireland finished second in WXV1 and despite saying that the group is so proud, Breen says this is only the beginning.
“It’s just starting to sink in now, I think. It’s been a huge journey, one that we’re definitely not at the end of. It’s been nice to take a few days and reflect on where we’ve come and I’m hugely proud of the girls and proud of us as a group that we have just been able to keep pushing ourselves and keep competing with each other.
“We’re not going to rest on where we are now. They [New Zealand] saw us two weeks ago, but that’s not going to be the same us that will be taking to the pitch in a year’s time. We’re just going to try keep pushing on, and I’m sure when the time comes we’ll be ready to face them.”
Ireland and New Zealand are joined by Japan and Spain in Pool C, two teams that Ireland are very familiar with.
“We had Spain in WXV3 last year, and in the World Cup qualifiers a few years previously. We had a few good battles with them, and Japan, we were only on tour there two years ago.
“They’re two teams we’re absolutely respecting and have had some good battles with over the last few years”, Breen said.