Revenge will be on New Zealand’s minds – McMahon

Pool C of the Women’s Rugby World Cup: Ireland vs. New Zealand

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

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

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

Ireland stunned the Black Ferns late on at the WXV1 finals last year in Vancouver, winning 29-27 against the world champions with a last-gasp Erin King try and Dannah O’Brien conversion.

McMahon believes that Ireland have gained the “respect” of their rivals despite the many changes both teams have made for the match.

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

We only have the ability to dictate how the opposition plays and prepares for the game.

It’s not surprising that teams will take this Irish team more seriously, as they have in the lead up to this World Cup.

The Irish defeated New Zealand in their final World Cup match in 2014, but they have since triumphed in both 2017 and 2021.

Despite the talents of Jorja Miller and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe grabbing attention, McMahon insists Ireland’s focus is on the collective. This is their goal for a third straight victory and seventh overall.

The skilled flanker asserted, “It’s not about isolating any players.”

New Zealand deserves respect for how we have produced and performed over the past two years, but we also deserve respect for how we have treated them.