Ireland nabbed their first WXV Global Series win with a 31-24 victory over Japan in Galway, a much-needed bounce back after last week’s tough loss to the USA where they blew a 19-point lead. The squad scored five tries at Dexcom Stadium, really showing grit against a spirited Japan team.
Parsons Made History, Hogan Doubled Up
This game was huge for Beibhinn Parsons, who crossed the line twice to become Ireland women’s all-time record try scorer. That’s a massive achievement, showing just how dominant she is! Brittany Hogan also brought the heat, touching down twice herself, with Aoife Dalton adding another try to the scoreboard. Captain Erin King was super proud, saying the girls “stuck in there until the end and showed what we’re all about.” She felt they answered the questions posed by last week’s defeat, acknowledging the frustrations but pointing to a really good training week paying off. She also gave props to Japan for making it “no easy feat.”
Adversity Handled, But Opportunities Missed
While the win is in the books, Head Coach Scott Bemand felt there was more out there for the taking. He was happy his side navigated through “adversity” in the second half, especially playing into a strong Galway breeze. The team had to figure out how to “unlock the edges with possessions through the middle” instead of relying on the kicking game. Bemand believes they “left three out there in the first half” and that the scoreboard “should have looked a little bit more favourable for us” than 19-5 at the break. You gotta love a coach who pushes for more, even after a win.
Ireland’s got another match against Japan next week in Cork, though it’s a non-WXV game. After that, they head to South Africa for two Global Series matchups against the Springboks. Get ready, because it sounds like they are just getting started.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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