Ireland earn comeback win over Scotland in warm-up

Ireland (12) 27

Tries: McGrath, Deely, McGillivray, O'Dowd, Nic a Bhaird Con: O'Brien

Scotland (14) 21

Tries: Thomson, Scott, Orr Cons: Thomson 2, Scott

Ireland recovered from a slow start to beat Scotland and begin their Women's Rugby World Cup preparations in impressive fashion.

Having lost to Italy last week, Scotland raced into an early 14-0 lead in Cork through Lisa Thomson and Lucia Scott tries.

But after Scotland lost hooker Lana Skeldon to a serious-looking injury on the half-hour mark, the tide turned in Ireland's favour as Sadhbh McGrath and Meabh Deely crossed to leave just two points between the sides at half-time.

Ireland were dominant for long spells in the second half and scored their third when debutant Nancy Gillivray touched down.

Scotland hit back thanks to a fine solo effort from Emma Orr, but Ireland rallied in the closing stages through Niamh O'Dowd and Deirbhile Nic a Bhaird.

Having avenged their Women's Six Nations defeat by the Scots earlier this year, Ireland will look to maintain their pre-World Cup momentum when they host Canada in Belfast on 9 August (12:00 BST).

Scotland, meanwhile, must regroup in time for their tournament opener against Wales at Salford Community Stadium on 23 August.

Skeldon stretchered off

Scotland's World Cup preparations have been anything but smooth. Last month, captain Rachel Malcolm said her side had been put in an "unfair position" by a "very disruptive" build-up to the tournament with more than half the squad facing uncertainty over their contracts.

Additionally, head coach Bryan Easson last month announced he will step down after the World Cup, which Malcolm described as "a shock" and "upsetting".

And while morale was further hit by last week's 34-29 loss to Italy in Parma, Scotland did not seem to be bearing the weight of off-field issues as they raced into an early lead against Ireland.

First, centre Thomson converted her own try before Scott broke through a gap in the Irish defence to extend the away side's advantage.

However, Scotland's momentum was disrupted by Skeldon's injury. The 81-cap Bristol forward was hurt while attempting a tackle on Ireland prop Siobhan McCarthy, and received treatment on the field for eight minutes before being stretchered off.

Following Skeldon's departure, Ireland pegged the visitors back with quickfire scores from McGrath and Deely.

More to follow.