Ireland women produced a powerful second-half response to defeat Japan 31-24 in Galway, but head coach Scott Bemand is already looking beyond the result. The win gives Ireland a valuable platform, yet the message from the camp is clear: the performance must be backed up in the rematch.
In this latest sports ireland story, Ireland led by 19-5 at half-time after a fast start, only for Japan to fight back and turn the Vodafone Ireland WXV Series contest into a tense finish. Five Irish tries ultimately proved enough against a Sakura Fifteen side that refused to fade.
Ireland women survive Japan fightback
Ireland made the most of a strong wind in the opening half. Brittany Hogan crossed twice, while Béibhinn Parsons marked her return from injury with a superb try after collecting possession around halfway and accelerating clear.
Japan responded with two tries from Moe Nagaoka, one either side of half-time, after Ireland were reduced to 14 players following Erin King’s yellow card. The visitors’ pressure changed the rhythm of the contest and forced Ireland to defend for long periods.
However, Ireland retained control on the scoreboard. Aoife Dalton added a charge-down try, and Parsons completed her brace after another defensive error created space. Japan scored a fourth try, but Ireland’s five-try haul secured an important victory in front of the Dexcom Stadium crowd.
Set-piece platform proves decisive
Ireland’s scrum and lineout gave the team the foundation required to withstand Japan’s pressure. The hosts won five scrum penalties and completed nine of their ten lineout throws, while also disrupting Japan’s set-piece work.
The defensive effort was another significant improvement. Ireland finished with a tackle success rate of 92.8%, although the penalty count remains an area for attention after Japan finished ahead 16-11.
- Niamh O’Dowd led the Irish tackle count with 20.
- Dorothy Wall made 20 carries.
- Anna McGann recorded 12 carries and 13 tackles on her first international start at outside centre.
- Jemima Adams Verling made 56.4 metres from seven carries.
McGann makes her mark in Ireland’s backline
Anna McGann was one of the standout performers in Galway. The Athlone native has previously started mostly on the wing, but she looked comfortable in the outside-centre role and supplied the assists for both of Parsons’ tries.
Her performance was especially valuable because Aoife Dalton has been a regular feature in Ireland’s starting midfield. McGann’s running threat and defensive work gave Bemand another option as Ireland prepare for the next stage of their international schedule.
Dannah O’Brien also impressed at outside half, helping Ireland move the ball away from danger and bringing the likes of Vicky Elmes Kinlan and Adams Verling into the game. Bemand praised the players’ ability to solve problems during the match rather than allowing Japan’s pressure to dictate the contest.
Bemand wants Ireland to build on victory
Speaking after the match, Bemand highlighted the character and resilience shown by his players. He acknowledged that Ireland had left opportunities behind in the first half, including two held-up efforts and another chance pushed into touch.
The head coach also stressed that Ireland are still developing. The defensive pressure was better than in the previous game, but the penalty count and moments of lost control remain issues to address.
“It feels like a series. We get to back up. We were talking about it this week, and I’ve just called it part one. We want to back it up,” Bemand said.
That mentality will shape the next meeting. Ireland now face Japan at Virgin Media Park in Cork next Saturday, outside the WXV Global Series window. The six-day turnaround will test preparation, recovery and squad management before Ireland’s two-Test tour to South Africa.
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What Ireland must improve before Cork
Ireland have plenty to take from the Galway victory, but the rematch offers a fresh challenge rather than a chance to simply repeat the result. Japan’s ability to attack through the lineout and maul created problems, while the Irish side will want to reduce the number of penalties conceded.
The key priorities for Cork are likely to be:
- Turning early territory and possession into more points.
- Maintaining defensive pressure when playing into the wind.
- Improving discipline and reducing avoidable penalties.
- Managing the short recovery period before the next Test.
Ireland’s success will also depend on how quickly the team applies the lessons from Galway. The first match showed that the side can withstand momentum shifts; the second will reveal whether it can control the contest more consistently.
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The next test for Ireland women
This was an encouraging Ireland sports result, but Bemand is right to treat it as only the opening part of the job. Ireland showed attacking quality, set-piece strength and defensive resilience, while Japan demonstrated why the fixture remains a demanding international contest.
The Cork rematch is the immediate focus. Ireland will want a cleaner performance, a stronger finish and another step forward before attention turns to South Africa. For now, the biggest takeaway is simple: Ireland have earned the win, but they must prove they can build on it.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
