New Zealand vs Ireland Women Preview & Tips - Ireland to give New Zealand all kinds of problems at Women's Rugby World Cup

Ireland Women will sense they have a major chance to really put the pressure on New Zealand in this one, with the Irish arriving with little pressure on their shoulders. 

The pair have met twice, with Ireland winning once and New Zealand winning once. 

New Zealand Women were able to ease to a 62-19 win over Japan in their last outing as they made it a brace of wins at the World Cup. 

While top-spot in the group is in their hands, New Zealand have not really been at their best. Indeed, the 27 points they have conceded across their games with Spain and Japan may not seem like much, but an inability to keep the pair out will worry them. Defensively, minor errors in big matches can prove the difference, and if New Zealand leak tries, it could cost them. 

With a very patchy record against Ireland and all of the pressure on their shoulders, I predict that New Zealand will receive a real workout in their final group game. While I do not back Ireland to win, I predict that this will be a tight match that shows the reigning champions they will not have everything their own way. 

Ireland Women have been solid at the 2025 Women's World Cup with a pair of wins ensuring they arrive for their final group game with top-spot within reach. 

Of course, they will have to secure an unlikely win against New Zealand to move to the summit, but Ireland will arrive will little fear. Their 42-12 win over Japan and 43-27 triumph against Spain means they arrive in form, while they have only lost to New Zealand once, winning their other meeting. 

Backing Ireland outright is a brave choice, with New Zealand able to turn it on when it matters most. Instead, I recommend backing the Irish with a handicap, with the side beating the Black Ferns once and losing by just three points in their other encounter.