Sports
Kazakhstan 0-8 Republic of Ireland: Depth on show as Irish all but assure play-off final
Larkin was a constant threat and linked up well in a fluid front three with the reliable Emily Murphy and Kyra Carusa, who were also on target in the big win, including two goals for the latter.
Finn’s goal was her first for her country and she showed her tenacity in midfield alongside Megan Connolly in her first start under Ward.
Stapleton came into the back three alongside Anna Patten and Caitlin Hayes and had little defending to do, but did well with her looping header over Angelina Portnova for a late eighth goal in injury-time.
There was also a debut goal for substitute Shanade Hopcroft, who Ward said is a “great addition” to the squad with the Crystal Palace midfielder boosting their midfield options.
Ward had spoken in the build-up to the game about avoiding complacency and the Irish were professional in their ruthless display, with those introduced in the second half keeping the tempo up as they were keen to stake a claim for further involvement on the road to Brazil and back-to-back World Cup appearances.
“Ever since I came in I wanted us to be front-footed. We wanted to play with a bit of personality in the final third and I think we’ve continued to do that,” Ward added.
“It’s not easy to turn performances in but we’ve shown we’re a good side and good sides win in different ways, which we’ve done tonight.”
Ominously for Kazakhstan, who must pick themselves up and go again for Tuesday’s second leg in Cork, is that Republic of Ireland have won all three games they have played in Pairc Ui Chaoimh.
They will also be without captain Yulia Myasnikova for the return fixture after her red card in the first half after a VAR check, but Ward wants no let-up from her team in the second leg.
“We have to get ready and go put the same performance in on Tuesday.”
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Defence coach Shaun Edwards has joined Argentina’s coaching staff on a deal that runs until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The announcement ends any speculation that Edwards could be handed a role in Steve Borthwick’s England set-up, with the 59-year-old set to fulfil his consultancy role with England’s women’s team before joining Felipe Contepomi’s staff.
“I’m delighted to join Felipe Contepomi, his coaching staff and the Argentina rugby team at the end of this month until the World Cup next year in Australia,” said Edwards.
“I’ve always admired the ability and quality of Argentine players and I hope to bring some of my international experience to the team during the next year,” added the former Wigan rugby league great.
Englishman Edwards, who is one of the most decorated coaches in rugby union, left his position as France men’s defence coach earlier this year after helping them win three Six Nations titles.
Edwards and former Argentina head coach and hooker Mario Ledesma, who has been appointed to take charge of the forwards, will start work with the Pumas at the end of October.
Argentina are then set to face Ireland, Italy and France in November in Nations Championship matches.
Three-time semi-finalists Argentina have been drawn in a pool with Fiji, Spain and Canada at the World Cup which takes place between 1 October and 13 November in 2027.
Edwards, who also spent a successful 12 years with Wales and won four English titles and two Champions Cups while on Wasps’ staff, said in March that he was interested in coaching in the Rugby Championship, the southern hemisphere tournament contested by South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina.
He turned down a chance to coach his country in 2006, believing that the busier fixture list at Wasps would suit him better as he grieved the death of his brother.
Two years later, he opted to take on a defence role with Wales, rather than lead England’s second-string side, then known as the Saxons., external
In 2021, he met with Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney but, without a firm offer forthcoming, signed a contract extension to stay with France.
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The quick bowler had not delivered more than eight overs in a game for over three years, but posed Australia problems aplenty at Kingsmead
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Shaun Edwards takes Argentina defence coach role
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