The Black Ferns will be mightily relieved that Aoife Wafer is nowhere to be seen in Ireland’s matchday squad on Sunday but Ireland are still laced with attacking weapons who can punch holes in this Kiwi defence.
In Eve Higgins, Scott Bemand’s side has an elusive centre who can break a game wide open. The 26-year-old has been a highly-rated member of this Irish team for some time, but she announced herself to the global game with that electric display against Japan on the opening weekend of this World Cup.
It was the Railway Union midfielder’s scything break which led to Fiona Tuite’s try, and Higgins then showed her awareness and raw pace when she made that crucial interception in the second half before that memorable 90-metre dash to the tryline.
No doubt, Black Ferns head coach Allan Bunting and his backroom team have studied plenty of footage of Higgins in full flow. She has quickly become the fulcrum of this exciting Ireland backline.
The turning point for this young squad occurred in the late stages of 2023. The national team had just finished with the Wooden Spoon and the women’s game in this country was at an all-time low.
There were several reasons why things began to turn around. Bemand’s arrival as head coach was one. The IRFU’s change of tone and pledge to drive further resources into the programme was another. The reintegration of the Sevens stars was crucial, too.
The Paris Olympics was given priority over the 15s game for a few seasons. It meant that Ireland were going into Six Nations tournaments shorn of their best attacking players. All that changed when Bemand came on board. Higgins, AmeeLeigh Costigan, Béibhinn Parsons, Aoibheann Reilly, Stacey Flood and Erin King were all redrafted into the 15s squad. And it has had a massive effect.
Higgins, in particular, has been a revelation. Having learned her trade with local club Barnhall, she came through the ranks via the Sevens system. She was first invited to train with the Sevens setup in Abbotstown when she was 16. She was offered her first full-time contract two years later.
The sight of Higgins causing havoc on the circuit has become a regular one. She has made a similar impact in the 15s game. It took some time to readjust, Higgins copping a massive hit from French tighthead Assia Khalfaoui on her return to XVs in the first round of the 2024 Six Nations.
She has quickly become a mainstay in this ever-improving Irish team, however. If Ireland can get their talented centre into space, she has the pace, footwork and vision to trouble this much vaunted New Zealand outfit.
Higgins has also formed an effective partnership with Aoife Dalton, who provides power and punch. It’s a nicely balanced midfield. Higgins has also grown into a real leader in this young group.
On Sunday, she will make her 31st appearance in the green jersey and she regularly assumes the captaincy when co-captain Sam Monaghan and Edel McMahon leave the action.
Higgins continues to go from strength to strength and another big display against one of the tournament heavyweights in front of a full house in Brighton will only cement her reputation as one of the most exciting outside backs in the game.
She won’t be overawed by this occasion either. After all, she and her Sevens comrades have played in front of a packed Stade de France at an Olympics. ‘Playing some of the best players in the world,’ she said recently. ‘Portia Woodman, Ilona Maher, throughout all teams there’s a lot of sevens players.
‘Getting that constant exposure nearly every month of playing those teams multiple times at a tournament is huge. Then playing in front of big crowds, we saw it in Paris last year. Stadiums packed with 60,000, the sound was a huge experience. It’s nice to have those in the back pocket.’
These Irish players feel the same way about their secret weapon in midfield.
