It was only the Black Ferns' second defeat at a World Cup since the tournament began in 1991, ending a run of 20 games unbeaten during which they won the trophy four times in a row.
Briggs was Ireland's hero, kicking two conversions as well as the tricky penalty that won the match. Heather O'Brien scored the other Irish try in a match in which they were behind until the hour mark.
Ireland replaced New Zealand, also reigning men's world champions, at the top of the pool on eight points and will qualify for the semi-finals if they beat Kazakhstan in their final group match.
New Zealand are level with the U.S. on six points and must beat the Eagles in their last pool match to have a chance of making the last four, comprised of the winners of each of the three pools plus the best scoring second-placed team.
"The heads never dropped because we were on the same page. Even when they went ahead, we knew we would go back up there, score and win the game," Ireland captain Fiona Coghlan said.
New Zealand coach Brian Evans was magnanimous in defeat.
"We're very disappointed, but fair play to Ireland. They outmuscled us, they forced errors, but huge congratulations to them for that," he said.
The final is on Aug. 17 at Stade Jean Bouin, the home of Stade Francais.
(Reporting by Neville Dalton, Additional reporting by Andrew Callus, editing by Ed Osmond)
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