Ireland Player Ratings vs Japan Women's Rugby World Cup

The first half saw Ireland opening the scoring after just five minutes with Amee-Leigh Costigan's try, which showed the great connection of the Irish back line. Five minutes later, the forwards showed their dominance and strength steam-rolling over the line, doubling the score. Try-scorer Costigan was back involved with the scoring, assisting Béibhinn Parsons's try adding to the Irish back line's tally. Japan's Haruku Hirotsu then opened the scoring for the Sakura 15s. Ireland then closed out the first half earning themselves a bonus point with a fourth try by Fiona Tuite.

However, Ireland retreated back to their old ways, starting off the second half slow, conceding a try to Japan in the 42nd minute. The momentum started to swing back in the way of the Irish with an insane try from Eve Higgins ten minutes later. Ireland stayed the dominant side despite a sin-binning for Linda Djougang in the final ten minutes.

IRELAND: 42

Tries: Costigan (5'), Jones (10'), Parsons (23'), Tuite (36'), Higgins (52'), Breen (62')

Conversions: O'Brien (5', 10', 24', 37', 53', 63')

Yellow Cards: Djougang (69')

JAPAN: 14

Tries: Hirotsu (28') Kawamura (42')

Conversions: Otsuka (29', 43')

1 Niamh O'Dowd (off at 60) - 6

Solid game from the prop making some great tackles, and using her strength and power within the scrums and mauls.

2 Neve Jones(off at 60) - 7

Strong game from the hooker showing her strength by wrestling the ball over the try line at the ten minute mark.

3 Linda Djougang - 5

One cap away for being a half-centurion for Ireland, she had mixed game and having a disappointing end to the game finishing the game in the sin-bin.

4 Ruth Campbell (off at 60) - 6

Solid, but overall quiet game for Campbell, however along with the other forwards had a great power performance playing key parts in their mauls.

5 Sam Monaghan (co-captain) - 6

Good game from the co-captain, who recently returned for an ACL injury she sustained back in June 2024, showing her leadership on the pitch especially when going a man down with ten minutes remaining.

6 Fiona Tuite - 7

Great game working well and connecting with back line to score a great try getting Ireland the bonus point before the end of the first half.

7 Edel McMahon (off at 75) (co-captain) - 6

The co-captain who is returning from injury after being out for the two World Cup warm up games had a solid game, however wasn't a stand out player in the game.

8 Brittany Hogan (off at 73) - 8

Very strong game from Hogan, being that integral connection between the forwards and backs, earning herself player of the match.

9 Aoibheann Reilly (off at 73) - 7

Solid game from the scrum-half, working alongside Hogan to create that smooth connection between the forwards and the backs.

10 Dannah O'Brien - 8

Incredible kicking from O'Brien, converting all of Ireland's six tries.

11 Amee-Leigh Costigan (off at 60) - 8

Standout performance from Costigan, opening the scoring for Ireland just five minutes in, and then assisting another try and being a general threat on the wings.

12 Eve Higgins (off at 60)- 8

Higgins had a really strong performance, making an incredible interception and counter-attack scoring an incredible goal, switching the momentum back to Ireland after a tough second half start for Irish.

13 Aoife Dalton - 7

Solid performance from Dalton, making some great runs and big tackles.

14 Béibhinn Parsons - 8

Parsons had a incredible game, causing havoc on the wings and bagging herself try in the first half.

15 Stacey Flood - 8

Absolutely great game, playing an instrumental role in the Irish star-studded back line.

Overall, a solid impact from the replacements with a notable try from finisher Enya Breen after just a few moments on the pitch.