2023 Womens Rugby World Cup - Hacyinia defeats Estmere 28-10 in the “The Morwall Miracle”
In a jaw-dropping display of grit, determination, and sheer rugby brilliance, The Hacyinian Khutuluns delivered a stunning 28-10 triumph over Estmerish Black Widows, one of the world's rugby powerhouses. The match, now famously referred to as the "Morwall Miracle," has left rugby fans worldwide in awe and Estmere in shock.
The first half of the game seemed relatively uneventful, with Estmere in control, leading 10-0 at halftime. Estmere had dominated possession for the overwhelming majority of the half and were on track to a solid, if boring, win. However, the turning point came early in the second half when Estmere found themselves down to 14 players after Patty Hamill received a red card. Just moments later, Zira Halliche also saw red, further reducing Estmere's numbers to a mere 13 players. Both red cards were the result of dangerous clear-outs in the ruck.
Then the now infamous "ten minutes of terror" started. Hacyinia seized the opportunity that the red cards created, with Mariam Batu crossing the try line in the 45th minute, followed by Ayisha Dashdorj's try in the 48th. Ayana Nergui, a standout player, scored two tries in quick succession in the 55th and 64th minutes, solidifying Hacyinia's lead. Aigerim Jangar added the final flourish with a try in the 66th minute, securing a bonus point victory for Hacyinia.
Playing with only 13 players, Estmere struggled immensely. The loss of Zira Halliche prompted Estmere to bring starting tighthead Jo Russell back onto the field, resulting in the departure of Maisy Morris, who had scored Estmere's only try in the first half. The loss of two players enabled a high-octane Hacyinian attack to roar. For the “ten minutes of terror”, which now has to be in rugby lore, everything went right for Hacyinia. Offloads went to hand, kicks were perfectly weighted and more.
This historic victory has sent shockwaves throughout the rugby world, shaking up the possibilities within Pool A and drawing the worlds attention to Hacyinia. Captain Sabina Rahimi, speaking after the match, said, "To be able to come here and beat Estmere is nothing short of spectacular. I’m speechless, I’m at a loss for words. I just feel so blessed to be playing for this team, for my second family.”
Hacyinia's unexpected triumph over Estmere has not only shaken up the Women's Rugby World Cup but also raised the profile of women's rugby in Hacyinia. It is a victory that will be celebrated for generations to come, inspiring a new era of rugby excellence in the heart of Coius. Despite being the underdogs, this formidable team demonstrated an unwavering commitment to each other and to the sport.
As the Hacyinian Women's Rugby Team marches forward in the tournament, they carry with them the hopes and dreams of their nation. With the world's attention now firmly fixed on them, they aim to leave a lasting impression, gain automatic qualification for the next World Cup, and prove that they belong among the world's rugby elite.
Catch the Hacyinian women's rugby team's second game against Chistodva on September 10th right here on AllCoiusSports or on worldsports.tv.