Ireland sports supporters saw plenty of promise at Dexcom Stadium as Ireland Women recovered from a demanding second half to defeat Japan 31-24 in the Vodafone Ireland WXV Series. Scott Bemand’s side built a strong early lead, absorbed sustained pressure after the interval and secured a five-try victory that gives them valuable momentum before the rematch in Cork.
The result was not entirely comfortable, but that was precisely why it mattered. Ireland were forced to defend for long periods, manage a difficult wind and find solutions when Japan threatened to turn the contest around. For Bemand, the performance offered evidence of progress while also highlighting areas that need attention.
Ireland rugby victory built on fast start
Ireland established the platform for the win inside the opening 37 minutes. Brittany Hogan crossed twice, while Béibhinn Parsons marked her return to the starting team with a spectacular 50-metre finish that lifted the Galway crowd.
Japan responded impressively. Ireland’s yellow card for Erin King gave the visitors an opportunity to attack, and Moe Nagaoka took it, scoring twice as the Sakura Fifteen narrowed the gap either side of half-time.
However, Ireland remained in front. Aoife Dalton added a charge-down try and Parsons completed her brace, ensuring Japan’s four tries were not enough to deny the hosts.
Set-piece and defensive improvements
The Irish pack provided a reliable foundation. Ireland won five scrum penalties and secured nine of their ten lineout throws, while their pressure also contributed to Japan losing possession at set-piece time.
The defensive effort was particularly important after concerns about conceding entries and scores too easily in the previous game. Ireland finished with a 92.8% tackle success rate, helped by impactful contributions from replacements Beth Buttimer, Jane Clohessy and Grace Moore.
- Niamh O’Dowd led the tackle count with 20.
- Dorothy Wall made 20 carries.
- Anna McGann finished with 12 carries and 13 tackles.
- Jemima Adams Verling covered 56.4 metres from seven carries.
There was still discipline to improve, with Japan winning the penalty count 16-11. Bemand will also want Ireland to convert more of their attacking opportunities after two tries were held up and another chance was forced into touch before half-time.
McGann and Parsons provide attacking spark
One of the most encouraging elements of the Ireland rugby performance was Anna McGann’s first international start at outside centre. The Athlone player made a significant impact in only her eighth start in 19 Test appearances.
McGann supplied the final passes for both of Parsons’ tries and offered energy in attack and defence. Her movement helped Ireland find space on the edges, while her work rate allowed the backline to maintain pressure when Japan began to dominate possession.
Dannah O’Brien also impressed at outside half. Her composure helped Ireland move the ball through the middle and release Vicky Elmes Kinlan and Adams Verling into wider channels. That approach reduced the pressure on Ireland’s own 22-metre area as the wind made the second half especially challenging.
What Bemand wants from the Cork rematch
Bemand described the victory as “part one” and made clear that Ireland must back it up when the teams meet again at Virgin Media Park next Saturday. The Cork fixture falls outside the WXV Global Series window, but it remains an important test before Ireland’s two-Test tour of South Africa.
The short six-day turnaround will require careful preparation. Ireland must recover quickly, sharpen their discipline and improve their finishing. Japan will also have taken encouragement from the way they applied pressure after the break.
The next meeting should therefore reveal whether Ireland can turn a hard-fought win into a more complete performance. Bemand’s message is straightforward: the work continues, and the squad must implement its lessons faster and better.
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Key takeaway
This Ireland Women win was about more than the final score. The team showed resilience, improved its defensive pressure and found attacking answers through McGann and Parsons. The Cork rematch is the next measure of progress, with Ireland aiming to turn a close contest into a statement performance.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
