Ireland Starts the World Cup with Victory against Japan
In an exciting match, Ireland demonstrated their strength by defeating Japan with a score of 42-14, thus giving a solid start to their participation in the World Cup.
Japan, ranked eleventh in the world, fought valiantly to reduce the score difference at Franklin’s Gardens stadium, after being 28-14 down.
However, just as Japan seemed close to scoring again, Eve Higgins, a standout center, intercepted a crucial pass and ran to the try line, dealing a harsh blow to Japanese aspirations.
Ireland, demonstrating their physical superiority, knew how to take advantage of Japan’s initial mistakes. Despite some handling errors at the beginning, Amee-Leigh Costigan scored the first try for Ireland in the fifth minute.
Ireland’s physical superiority translated into a try after a maul, finished by Neve Jones. Japan, however, responded with skill and dexterity, getting Haruka Hirotsu to score a try.
Ireland responded with quick attacks, where Costigan and Beibhinn Parsons combined for a dynamic try, followed by another from Fiona Tuite, thanks to Higgins’ footwork.
In the second half, Japan scored a try through Masami Kawamura. The Japanese team displayed a fast and agile game, but Higgins once again appeared at the opportune moment to score.
The hard blow left Japan unable to react, allowing Enya Breen, who came on as a substitute, to score another try for Ireland, who finished the match strongly.
