Ireland sports fans were treated to a remarkable night of attacking rugby as Ireland Women and the USA produced a 12-try thriller at Tallaght Stadium. Despite racing into a commanding early lead, Ireland were unable to hold off a powerful American comeback and ultimately lost 40-36 in the opening match of the Vodafone Ireland WXV Series.
A crowd of 3,755 watched a breathless contest featuring 76 points, sharp running lines and relentless momentum swings. The defeat will sting, but Ireland’s attacking ambition and the emergence of debutant Jemima Adams Verling offered plenty for Scott Bemand’s side to build on.
Ireland Women make flying start in Tallaght
Ireland began with the confidence of a team carrying strong form from the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations. Captain Erin King led the side into Ireland’s first Test match at Tallaght Stadium, and the hosts immediately put the USA under pressure.
Vicky Elmes Kinlan crossed in the seventh minute after an incisive Irish attack, with Eve Higgins prominent in the move. Ireland continued to play at pace, using quick hands and direct carries to create space in the American defence.
Higgins then finished a well-constructed move to extend the advantage. Further scores followed, with Ireland building a 24-7 lead before the USA began to find a response. The hosts went into half-time 24-12 ahead, but the contest was far from settled.
Higgins and McGann combine brilliantly
One of Ireland’s brightest attacking moments came when Anna McGann broke through several defenders before setting up close friend and roommate Higgins for another try. The score reflected Ireland’s confidence in attack and their ability to turn broken-field opportunities into points.
ClÃodhna Moloney-MacDonald also made a significant contribution, scoring a try and producing one of Ireland’s eye-catching second-half breaks. Aoife Wafer and Dorothy Wall were influential in the carry count, each making 17 carries as Ireland looked to keep the USA moving backwards.
USA complete second-half comeback
The USA returned from the interval with greater intensity and steadily reduced the deficit. Ireland continued to threaten, but the visitors became increasingly effective at exploiting space and punishing defensive lapses.
By the final quarter, the match had turned into a high-speed shootout. Ireland head coach Scott Bemand’s side fought to regain control, yet the USA maintained their momentum and eventually moved in front. The visitors closed out a 40-36 victory after a dramatic final period.
For Ireland, the result was a disappointing conclusion to a match in which they had led 17-0 and 24-7. The performance showed clear attacking promise, but the second-half defensive effort and game management will be areas for review before the next fixture.
Adams Verling makes memorable international debut
One of the most encouraging stories from the match was the debut of Roscommon youngster Jemima Adams Verling. The Creggs RFC product started at blindside flanker and quickly demonstrated the physicality and work rate required at international level.
During her 50 minutes on the pitch, Adams Verling recorded:
- 16 tackles
- Six carries
- Four defenders beaten
- One important line break
Her first Ireland cap was presented pitchside after the match, providing a memorable personal moment despite the narrow defeat. Aoibheann Reilly also returned to international rugby after recovering from a broken fibula, while young players such as Robyn O’Connor gained valuable experience in a demanding Test environment.
A night of emotion and community support
The match carried added significance before kick-off, with a minute’s applause held in tribute to former Ireland Grand Slam-winning head coach Philip Doyle, who died in July. The Tallaght crowd responded warmly, creating an atmosphere that reflected the continued growth of women’s rugby in Ireland.
After the final whistle, Ireland players spent time with supporters, signing autographs and meeting young fans. That connection between the team and its audience remains an important part of the development of women’s sport and Irish rugby.
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Japan next for Ireland
Ireland will have little time to dwell on the result, with Japan next on the schedule in the Vodafone Ireland WXV Series. The fixture takes place at Dexcom Stadium next Sunday, with kick-off at 12.45pm.
The challenge now is clear: preserve the attacking sharpness shown in Tallaght while tightening the defensive structure that allowed the USA to overturn a substantial deficit. Ireland’s response against Japan will show how quickly the lessons from this thrilling opener can be applied.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
