• Hosts hold on in thriller to secure 19-17 opening win • Wales up against it after losing 44-12 against New Zealand

Ireland held on to claim a nailbiting 19-17 opening win over Australia at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Dublin. The replacements Ciara Griffin and Sophie Spence scored tries to put the hosts in a commanding position midway through the second half. Australia hit back with a late converted try by Hilisha Samoa, making it a tense final few minutes for the Irish.

Ireland had gone into the game full of confidence but took some time to unlock the Australian defence until scrum-half Larissa Muldoon sneaked over. Nora Stapleton’s conversion gave the Irish a seven-point advantage but Australia hit back with Mahalia Miller reducing the deficit to two points at the interval.

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When Wallaroos captain Shannon Parry crossed the line early in the second half Ireland were facing potential embarassment and they reached the hour mark trailing 10-7.

Griffin went over to restore the hosts’ lead and another Stapleton conversion gave Ireland four-point cushion. After a long spell of domination Spence was granted another Irish try via video replay, and it looked like the hosts had done enough to dig themselves out of a hole. But Samoa’s late effort helped Australia get back within touching distance and ensured Ireland would be a very relieved team at the final whistle.

Wallaroos coach Paul Verrell said his world No6 side had improved from their winless Four Nations tour of New Zealand two months ago. “The team matched it with the Irish and for the majority of the match and matched them in physically and put in a solid defensive display,” Verrell said. “The Irish controlled possession for a large portion of the second half and kept the ball inside our own half and that prevented us from creating any real opportunities.”

Wales were overrun 44-12 by New Zealand to launch their campaign in disappointing fashion. The Black Ferns, who are expected to be the greatest challengers for England’s global crown, amassed eight tries at a sun-kissed Billings Park. The full-back Selica Winiata spearheaded the assault with a hat-trick and the wing Renee Wickliffe scored two tries as New Zealand’s back three ran riot. The defeat means Rowland Phillips’ team must prevail against Canada on Sunday if they are to progress to the semi-finals.

The wing Kris Thomas scored two tries as the United States opened their campaign with a 24-12 victory over Italy. Thomas, who was also given a yellow card late in the game, opened her team’s account with an early score as the Americans claimed a bonus-point Pool B triumph. The fly-half Kimber Rozier also touched down in the first half, converting her own try but Italy – England’s opponents on Sunday – struck back with a Lucia Cammarano try that Veronica Schiavon converted.

Thomas’s second try, though, ensured some breathing space before the replacement lock Abby Gustaitis secured a five-point maximum, with Alev Kelter converting, before Elisa Giordano claimed a consolation score.

Magali Harvey scored five tries as Canada began their campaign with a blistering 98-0 win over Hong Kong. four minutes. As well as Harvey’s five tries and eight conversions, the Canada captain Kelly Russell, a veteran of the defeat to England three years ago, joined in with three.