Possibility of Ireland achieving a "Brighton-like Miracle" in sports?

Ireland and New Zealand are set to clash in a highly anticipated match at the Women's Rugby World Cup. Despite already securing a quarter-final spot, a win for Ireland this weekend would be a welcome bonus rather than a necessity.

The odds are stacked against the Irish team, with bookmakers placing them at 35/1 to beat the reigning champions, New Zealand. However, Ireland can take heart from their head-to-head record, leading New Zealand 2-1, and their impressive defensive performance so far in the tournament.

Britany Hogan has been a standout player for Ireland, leading the team in defensive breakdown arrivals. The return of Edel McMahon at openside will be crucial in this area, as she adds valuable experience and skill.

However, the absence of key player Aoife Wafer due to a knee injury is a significant blow for Ireland. Wafer's recovery will be given an extra week before the quarter-final, offering some hope for the Irish camp.

Coaches have emphasised the importance of performance over results for this crucial match. Ireland's average ruck speed of 2.6 seconds, second only to Canada, suggests they will look to maintain their quick ball and disrupt New Zealand's possession. Ireland have also been more effective than any other side in the tournament at slowing down opposition ball, with an average of 3.94 seconds at each ruck.

New Zealand's line-up includes just six survivors from their 2024 defeat and features several Sevens stars. Notable inclusions are Olympic gold medal-winning scrum-half Risi Pouri-Lane, centre Stacey Waaka, wing Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, and flanker Jorja Miller.

The Black Ferns have been lethal when presented with chances, scoring an average of 4.1 points per entry to the 22. Woodman-Wickliffe, in particular, has been a force to be reckoned with, scoring 50 Test tries in just 30 caps.

Ireland's starting team for this match features only eight players who played against New Zealand in 2021. Fiona Tuite, Ireland's main lineout caller, has been left out due to a minor knock, and responsibility for the lineout may fall onto co-captain Sam Monaghan.

Both teams have been in impressive form so far in the tournament. Ireland have defended narrowly in their opening wins against Japan and Spain, while New Zealand have not lost since 2014.

The 'Miracle of Brighton' in 2015, when Japan defeated South Africa at the Brighton and Hove Albion Stadium, serves as a reminder that upsets can happen in this tournament. Scott Bemand and the Ireland team visited the stadium on Friday evening for a recce ahead of their Pool C decider.

The search results do not provide the specific substitute players (Ersatzspieler) for Ireland and New Zealand for the women's rugby World Cup match. However, with both teams boasting strong squads, it is sure to be an exciting and closely contested match.