Ireland sports supporters saw a committed response from the Ireland Women after a demanding second half against Japan. Brittany Hogan’s two-try performance helped secure a 31-24 victory at Dexcom Stadium, but the back-row forward believes Ireland must improve their defence before the teams meet again in Cork.
Scott Bemand’s side made an electric start in Galway, building a 19-point advantage and threatening to pull clear. Japan, however, showed the same resilience that challenged Ireland during the previous week’s Vodafone Ireland XV Series fixture against the USA.
Ireland women hold firm in a game of two halves
With the wind behind them during the opening period, Ireland were able to apply pressure and play with greater territory. The momentum produced a strong attacking display, with Béibhinn Parsons also crossing twice and Anna McGann providing intelligent support in the build-up.
Japan responded after the interval. Ireland faced the wind, conceded penalties and found it difficult to contain Japan’s organised maul. The visitors reduced the margin to 19-12, creating a tense finish at Dexcom Stadium.
Parsons eventually settled Irish nerves with a late try, while the hosts showed enough composure to close out a deserved win. The result means Ireland head into next Saturday’s meeting with Japan in Cork seeking back-to-back victories.
Hogan leads from the front
Hogan returned to the starting line-up in the back row and made a decisive contribution at both ends of the pitch. Her close-range carries were rewarded with a try in each half, while her work rate remained constant when Japan applied pressure.
The Killinchy native completed all 18 of her tackles, carried 14 times and made one line break. It was another standout performance from a player who has been involved in every one of Ireland’s 30 Tests since Bemand became head coach in 2023.
Hogan has also been in outstanding scoring form. She was joint-top scorer for Ireland during the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations and has now scored seven tries in her last six Tests.
“It was a tale of two halves. We had the wind with us in the first half and we were against it in the second,” Hogan said after the match.
Her assessment captured the central challenge facing Ireland. The team produced plenty of attacking quality, but Japan’s second-half pressure exposed areas that must be addressed before the next encounter.
Scrum pressure offers Ireland a major positive
Ireland’s scrum was one of the clearest successes in Galway. The pack forced five penalties, with Eilís Cahill making her first start and contributing to a platform that allowed the Irish backs to attack with confidence.
Parsons’ pace provided the biggest attacking threat, while McGann’s passing and support play helped Ireland turn possession into points. Across the calendar year, Ireland are averaging five tries per match, underlining the progress being made in attack.
Still, the defensive statistics provide a warning. Ireland conceded 16 penalties, including seven at ruck or maul situations. Captain Erin King’s sin-binning also gave Japan an opportunity to build momentum and score valuable points.
The next test comes quickly in Cork
Ireland’s home fixtures in the inaugural WXV Global Series have now concluded, but the rivalry with Japan continues at Virgin Media Park next Saturday. The Cork Test sits outside the series window and gives Bemand’s squad another important opportunity to develop before the tour to South Africa.
The priority is clear: Ireland must protect their try-line more effectively and improve their maul defence. Japan are disciplined, physically committed and capable of turning small defensive errors into sustained pressure.
For Irish rugby followers, the Cork fixture offers another chance to assess Ireland’s progress. The attacking confidence is growing, the scrum is providing a strong foundation and Hogan is leading an increasingly influential pack. The next step is to combine those strengths with greater discipline and defensive control.
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The takeaway: Ireland Women earned an important win, but the Cork rematch will test whether they can turn attacking promise into a more complete performance. Japan will bring the same discipline and intensity, and Ireland’s maul defence will be under the spotlight again.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
