Five-try Spain refused to go quietly in front of a raucous crowd but Ireland came through what was a severe test ahead of their final Pool C match v New Zealand next Sunday.

Story of the match

The first half was utterly compelling. Roared on by a largely green crowd, it was all Ireland for the first 20. Two tries and a 12-0 lead a just reward for a powerful-looking pack and sharp backs.

But then it all changed. Making good on their pre-match promise to "fight for every inch" Spain forced themselves into the contest, largely through their own set of effervescent forwards. Level inside the half-hour, Las Leonas were flying, as the error-prone Ireland rocked.

With Irish captain Sam Monaghan forced off with injury, all the momentum seemed to be with Spain. But Ireland have not risen to No.5 in the world rankings for nothing and with half-time approaching they shifted back to what they do best. Twice inside four minutes, their front five pulverised Spain’s line before the shifted wide at speed for first Eve Higgins and then Anna MCGann to touch down. The 12-point advantage restored.

Much to the delight of the neutrals watching, the see-saw action continued after the break. Spain refusing to lie down, took full advantage of another Irish error off the restart to pull within seven. A further two tries - including a touchdown for Cristina Blanco Herrera on the final whistle - securing a well-deserved losing bonus point.

But as they did all afternoon, Ireland responded powerfully each time Spain came at them. The influential number eight Grace Moore twice galloping through to give the Irish the breathing space they needed, before Enya Breen finished things of for the women in green

Mastercard Player of the Match

Without Ireland's rock-solid pack, this match could have swung Las Leonas' way, and loose-head prop Ellena Perry was absolutely central to everything the women in green did well. Six carries, two turnovers, 20 tackles and 100 per cent scrum success - not bad. 

"We just needed to get front-foot ball and keep possession. It was difficult but we got the win," Perry, Mastercard Player of the Match said. "They really tested us today. We know they were going to come out firing and they pushed us right to the end. Well played to them.

"Obviously two bonus-point wins which we can't fault but we've got a lot of learnings this week and a big game [against New Zealand] in Brighton next week."

Coach insight

For Ireland head coach, Scott Bemand, there was a lot to like and a lot to improve on. 

"The seven tries aren't to be sniffed at, there's some good tries, good variety. You look at how we came out of the blocks against spirited Spanish team - in defence and attack - and we thought we were getting on top. Then we became our own worst enemies a little bit," Bemand said. 

"As we go through the competition, games are going to become increasingly difficult so we've got to start backing sets up. We scored some really good tries; what we've got to do is get out of your half and reset. It turned into a bit of a flip-flop game.

"We're two games in. If we go to London, there's four more games in this competition."

Spain head coach Juan González had predictably mixed feelings. 

"We got a lot of opportunities to score. We scored some but in the first half especially we missed two exits and Ireland scored twice. At the beginning of the second half the same thing happened. I feel proud that the girls kept fighting to the last minute of the game," González said. 

"We came here to show the world how we play rugby and to make an big impact with Spanish girls at home. If we can do this with a victory against Japan that will be absolutely great."

Stat of the day

Ireland have a lot to thank their pack for, with a 100 per cent scrum and lineout success along with a 98 per cent maul success telling the story. 

Next steps

If New Zealand beat Japan in their second Pool C match, Ireland will be through to the quarter-finals ahead of their match-up next weekend against the defending champions - turning that match into a shootout for top spot. 

Spain cannot reach the knockouts but Las Leonas will be eying up a final match v Japan as a real opportunity to secure a longed-for RWC victory.