Ireland women returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 31-24 victory over Japan at Dexcom Stadium, but the final scoreline tells only part of the story. A fast start, two tries apiece for Brittany Hogan and Béibhinn Parsons, and a crucial second-half intervention from Aoife Dalton helped Ireland survive a determined Japanese comeback.
The result gives Ireland a positive finish to the Vodafone Ireland WXV Series after their narrow 40-36 defeat by the USA. Attention now turns to a second meeting with Japan in Cork next Saturday, where Scott Bemand’s side will look to build on an encouraging performance while tightening up defensively.
Ireland women make perfect start in Galway
Ireland controlled much of the opening half, using the wind and strong carries to keep Japan pinned inside their own 22. Brittany Hogan opened the scoring after Eilís Cahill’s tap-penalty move created space around the Japanese defence.
Hogan then doubled her tally on the half-hour mark, finishing from close range after Ireland’s pack had earned another scrum penalty. Dannah O’Brien converted both efforts to give the hosts a 14-0 advantage.
The highlight of the first half came from Béibhinn Parsons. The Ballinasloe winger collected a sweeping pass and accelerated clear from halfway, rounding Jennifer Nduka to score one of the afternoon’s standout tries. Ireland led 19-0 before Japan responded just before the interval.
Japan fight back through powerful maul
Ireland’s momentum was interrupted when captain Erin King was shown a yellow card for stopping a Japanese attack. Japan immediately targeted the Irish defence from the resulting lineout, with Moe Nagaoka finishing a well-organised maul.
Nagaoka struck again shortly after the restart, and Maiko Nishi’s conversion reduced the gap to seven points during King’s absence. Japan’s forward power and disciplined lineout work placed Ireland under sustained pressure, while the visitors also threatened with breaks from deep.
The response from the Irish bench proved important. Linda Djougang and Aoife Dalton added energy, and Dalton soon produced the turning point of the match by charging down a Japanese clearance. She gathered the loose ball and ran 25 metres to restore Ireland’s control at 24-12.
Parsons delivers when Ireland need it most
Japan refused to fade. Replacement hooker Nijiho Nagata scored from another maul, with Nishi’s conversion making it a five-point game at 24-19.
Ireland needed a moment of quality, and Parsons supplied it. After Anna McGann reacted quickest to a loose Japanese pass, Parsons broke away from halfway for her second try of the afternoon. O’Brien added the conversion, putting Ireland 31-19 ahead with five minutes remaining.
Japan scored once more through 18-year-old flanker Nami Asari, setting up a tense finish. However, Ireland held their composure in the closing stages. Brittany Hogan and replacement Grace Moore combined to win a decisive penalty, allowing the hosts to close out the victory.
Key moments from Ireland 31-24 Japan
- Brittany Hogan scored twice in the opening half.
- Béibhinn Parsons added two impressive breakaway tries.
- Aoife Dalton’s charge-down score steadied Ireland after Japan’s comeback.
- Japan scored four tries, three of them from powerful maul pressure.
- Beth Buttimer made her Ireland Test debut, while Jane Clohessy earned her second cap.
What the result means for Ireland
The victory offers Ireland valuable momentum after the disappointment of the USA defeat. Their attacking game produced five tries, with the back three showing pace and the forwards creating opportunities through carries, mauls and scrum pressure.
There were also clear areas for improvement. Ireland lost control after building a 19-point lead, conceded repeated maul tries and allowed Japan to remain within touching distance until the final whistle. Discipline will be a particular focus before the teams meet again.
For supporters following Ireland rugby, the performance provided plenty of encouragement. Parsons’ return to top form is especially significant, while Dalton’s impact from the bench underlined the depth available to Bemand. The debuts and emerging players also added to the sense of progress around the squad.
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Next stop: Cork
Ireland will face Japan again in Cork next Saturday. Japan’s ability to score from mauls means Ireland will need a stronger defensive response, particularly around lineouts and close-range phases.
The Irish side can also expect another test of their game management. The Galway win showed the attacking threat Ireland possess, but the next challenge is to maintain control when opponents build pressure. With the WXV Series moving towards its conclusion, another victory would provide an important boost for Ireland women’s rugby.
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Final takeaway
Ireland women deserved their 31-24 win over Japan after combining a bright attacking start with enough resilience to withstand a powerful comeback. Brittany Hogan and Béibhinn Parsons provided the finishing edge, while Aoife Dalton’s score proved crucial. The Cork rematch is next, and Ireland will want both another win and a more complete 80-minute performance.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
