It really has not been a good few days for New Zealand rugby.
While the New Zealand sevens team's silver medal in Glasgow and the Crusaders' loss in the Super rugby final were not massive shocks, yesterday's result in women's rugby was seismic.
The Black Ferns had not lost a World Cup game since the 1991 semifinals before the jaw-dropping 17-14 loss to Ireland in Marcoussis, France.
Their dreams of winning a fifth consecutive title are not dashed but they must beat the United States in their final pool match on Sunday to advance to the semifinals.
The Black Ferns appeared to be in control yesterday after taking an 8-0 lead midway through the first half from a Selica Winiata try and Kelly Brazier penalty.
But the plucky Irish struck back in the 34th minute when Heather O'Brien went over and Niamh Briggs converted.
Early in the second half, Otago playmaker Brazier kicked another penalty to push the lead out to four, but Ireland responded again with a converted try to Alison Miller.
Brazier's third penalty made it 14-14, before the unthinkable happened. With 10 minutes to play, Briggs kicked a penalty to sink the tournament favourites and claim a historic win for Ireland.
Coach Brian Evans said the Black Ferns were ''very disappointed'' to lose to a smart Irish side.
''They outmuscled us, they forced errors ... huge congratulations to them for that,'' Evans said.
''Our mistake level was so high and we couldn't execute our game plan and our ball retention was bad, but we must stay positive.''
Irish captain Fiona Coghlan said it was ''absolutely wonderful'' to upset the defending champion.
''All credit should go to the coaches, the analysis team and the game plan they gave us,'' she said.
Other games at the tournament were one-sided. The United States beat Kazakhstan 47-7, Australia beat Wales 25-3, England beat Spain 45-5, Canada beat Samoa 42-7 and France beat South Africa 55-3.
