By Richard O'Reilly
Ireland got off to a winning start in the Women's Rugby World Cup with a 19-17 victory over Australia.
The girls in green ran in three tries to open their account with a victory in at the UCD Bowl.
Muldoon, Griffin and Spence were the try-scorers on the day, with Stapleton converting two of them.
In the other Pool C game, France beat Japan 72-14 to go top of the group after the opening round of fixtures..
Ireland Women squeeze past Wallaroos in gripping six-try clash #WRWC2017 #BringIt https://t.co/5GZMMOSqQA pic.twitter.com/HWi944lyRd
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) August 9, 2017
Next up for Ireland is their second group C match against Japan on Sunday, again at the UCD Bowl.
Elsewhere in Pool B, defending champions England opened up their account with a convincing 56-5 victory over Spain, while the USA beat Italy 24-12.
In Pool A New Zealand beat Wales 44-12, while Canada thumped Hong Kong 98-0.
HIGHLIGHTS: @irishrugby start their #WRWC2017 campaign with a narrow win over Australia pic.twitter.com/jFB0s2c56c
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) August 9, 2017