Campbell impressive again but Ireland well beaten by outstanding New Zealand

Kildare’s Ruth Campbell put in a heroic 80-minute performance at the Women's Rugby World Cup today as Ireland suffered a 40-0 defeat at the hands of New Zealand. 

Both sides had won their opening two games, making this a playoff for top spot in Pool C.

Campbell started Ireland’s opener against Japan and made an appearance off the bench against Spain as Scott Bemand's side began the tournament with a pair of important victories.

The Johnstown lock was back in from the start today and began proceedings by blasting out Ireland’s Call before staring down the Haka in front of over 31,000 at a packed AmEx Stadium in Brighton.

Decked out in unfamiliar white and claret, Ireland were on top for most of the opening quarter, with Campbell to the fore as she made some big carries early on, claimed a couple of Irish lineouts and stole one off a New Zealand throw.

But the Black Ferns went up a couple of gears, increasing their physicality and putting tremendous speed on their passes, running in three tries to lead 19-0 at half time.

Another three tries followed after the break - including two in the final two minutes - as New Zealand condemned Ireland to a second-place finish. 

Campbell and Ireland will now begin preparations for the quarter-finals where they will face Pool D winners France next Sunday in Sandy Park, home of former Champions Cup winners Exeter Chiefs.