Ireland held off a spirited Spain to win their Pool C clash 43-27 and seal a place in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, where they are joined by New Zealand, who were more comprehensive 62-19 victors over Japan in Exeter on Sunday.

Ireland ran in seven tries in an entertaining encounter in which Spain played their part, and their 43 points is a new record at the World Cup for the side.

Wing Anna McGann and number eight Grace Moore bagged two tries each, to go with scores for flyhalf Dannah O'Brien, wing Amee Leigh Costigan and centre Eve Higgins.

Ireland led 24-12 at halftime, but Spain kept coming and scored five tries themselves.

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