The Irish Women's team have stunned New Zealand 17 - 14 in their World Cup pool clash in Paris.

Philip Doyle's side were deserving winners over the four-time world champions after a skillful and committed performance that saw them dominate the defending champions for much of the game.

Ireland were camped inside the Black Fern's half for the opening 20 minutes of today's game and were unfortunate not to force a penalty try as their opponents were left reeling by the ferocity of the Irish attack.

Against the run of play, it was New Zealand that took the lead with an early penalty before then scoring the opening try of the game.

Ireland's Alison Miller scores a try ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

But last year's Grand Slam winners responded superbly with a series of multi-phase attacks that eventually led to Heather O'Brien scoring under the posts as New Zealand led by just a point at half-time.

Ireland also had to respond to conceding another penalty at the start of the second-half but a brilliantly worked try by Alison Miller put Ireland ahead once again before full-back Niamh Briggs scored a crucial penalty to add to her two successful conversions.

That is the first time since 1991 the #BlackFerns have suffered a loss at a Women's Rugby World Cup, and just their second overall #WRWC2014

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 5, 2014

The Irish side finished the game on the front foot and attacked the New Zeland line in the closing seconds.

Earlier, the US registered a bonus-point 47-7 win over the group minnows Kazakhstan to move to the top of the standings but Ireland will now move ahead of them to the top of the Pool B table with 8 points.